A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale has rocked central Morocco, resulting in a tragic loss of life with at least 1,000 casualties and extensive devastation in multiple regions. This earthquake marks the most significant seismic event in Morocco in over a century. The disaster has primarily affected historic cities constructed from stone and masonry, structures ill-equipped to withstand such tremors.
Tragically, the earthquake has claimed the lives of a minimum of 1,037 individuals, with the majority of the casualties occurring in Marrakech, the nation’s economic hub, and five neighboring provinces located near the epicenter of the quake. Morocco’s Interior Ministry released a report on Saturday morning, indicating that an additional 1,204 individuals sustained injuries, out of which 721 were classified as being in critical condition.
Intense tremors were experienced in numerous regions across the country, ranging from Casablanca to Marrakesh, resulting in the destruction or significant damage of numerous buildings.
The country’s royal palace has announced a three-day period of national mourning and the deployment of armed forces to deliver clean drinking water, food supplies, tents, and blankets to the affected areas.
Awakened by the earthquake, people fled into the streets in a state of fear and disbelief.
Moments after the earthquake shook Marrakesh last night, resident Rashid Ben Arabi swiftly drove to his car, taking his wife and one-year-old daughter to Amizmiz, a town approximately 56 kilometers (35 miles) away from Marrakesh, to ensure the safety of his parents. He described how the roads were congested with fellow evacuees, all navigating through the pitch-black darkness caused by a widespread power outage.
Upon his arrival in the town, Rashid encountered a scene of chaos and distress, with people in a frantic state, weeping and shrieking as they desperately sought their loved ones, he recounted.
Amid the wreckage of his home, he observed a man lying on the ground, tormented by the anguished cries of his two children trapped beneath the collapsed structure. Regrettably, he was powerless to aid them, as rescue teams had not yet arrived on-site.
Thankfully, Rashid located his parents, who were unharmed but had taken refuge in the street, wrapped in blankets and sleeping.
Following the earthquake in the vicinity of Marrakech, rescue teams resorted to hammers and axes to extricate a man who was trapped beneath a two-story building, with individuals who could fit into the cramped space offering him water.
A 4.9 magnitude aftershock was detected just 19 minutes following the main earthquake.
The earthquake’s epicenter, located in a remote region of the High Atlas Mountains, was relatively shallow. Reports indicated that tremors were felt in distant locations such as the capital Rabat, situated 350 kilometers away, as well as in Casablanca and Essaouira.
In the mountain villages near the epicenter, basic structures might not have withstood the quake, and due to their remote nature, it could be a while before casualty information becomes available.
Additionally, the earthquake’s effects extended into neighboring Algeria, but authorities reported no damage or casualties as a result.
Addressing the G20 summit in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India expressed the commitment of the international community to assist Morocco during this time.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain extended his solidarity and support to the Moroccan people, while President Emmanuel Macron of France expressed his profound sadness over the situation and pledged assistance to Morocco.
President Joe Biden issued a statement on Saturday, confirming that his administration is actively communicating with Moroccan authorities and taking measures to ensure the safety of Americans within the country. He emphasized that the United States, in conjunction with other nations, is prepared to offer support. It’s worth noting that Morocco’s government has not yet formally requested external assistance.
(Source: Krystal Nurse | USA Today | Maria Zaccaro | Alex Kleiderman | BBC News)
