Terrified Moroccans Struggle After Deadly Earthquake Hits Marrakech

Terrified Moroccans spent a second sleepless night on the streets after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck near the ancient city of Marrakech, killing over 2,000 people. Rescuers are working tirelessly to reach trapped victims in remote mountain villages near the epicenter, where the devastation was most severe. The quake, the deadliest in six decades, has left 1,404 people critically injured, with authorities warning that the death toll is expected to rise further as rescue workers comb through the rubble. In historic Marrakech, many families chose to spend Saturday night in the open, wary of follow-up tremors. The tightly-packed medieval-era center of the city as well as the surrounding red earth walls have suffered significant damage. In the Oliveraie Park in central Marrakech, hundreds of people, including children and the elderly, sought shelter on blankets and makeshift mattresses. Some brought bags of clothes and food, prepared for an extended stay away from their homes. A resident described the significant damage inflicted on the walled old city, or medina, and called on authorities to provide relief efforts to those in need. Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has ordered the creation of a commission to provide care, housing, and food to those affected. The monarchy has announced three days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast to honor the victims. Tourists at Marrakech’s airport have been enduring the chaos, with dozens opting to sleep on the floor while waiting for their flights. The airport has been operating relatively normally despite the quake’s impact on the city’s tourism industry. In villages located in the Atlas Mountains, scenes of destruction and despair have unfolded as homes made from mud bricks collapsed onto residents and boulders blocked rescue teams from accessing the areas. Aerial footage has shown villages reduced to rubble. Survivors have recounted their harrowing experiences, with some losing their homes and family members. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities scramble to find survivors within the critical 72-hour window. International support and solidarity are crucial due to the remote nature of the affected towns and villages. Several countries, including France, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Algeria, have offered aid and assistance. The World Health Organization has reported that over 300,000 people have been impacted by the earthquake. The last comparable disaster in Morocco occurred in 2004, when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Al Hoceima, claiming around 630 lives. The worst earthquake in modern Moroccan history happened in 1960 near the city of Agadir, resulting in the deaths of at least 12,000 people.