“Deadly Earthquake Hits Morocco, Leaving Thousands Dead and Injured”
A devastating earthquake struck the North African country of Morocco on Friday night, resulting in over 2,000 deaths and leaving thousands injured. This 6.8-magnitude quake, the strongest in over a century, had its epicenter near the popular tourist and economic city of Marrakech.
The earthquake occurred at approximately 11:11 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located in the High Atlas mountain range, about 72 kilometers southwest of Marrakech. Although its impact was felt as far north as Casablanca, the most severe damage occurred in areas closest to the Atlas Mountains. The quake’s magnitude and shallow depth contributed to its destructiveness. While earthquakes of this size are uncommon in the region, they are not unexpected.
Historic sites have suffered damage, but reports indicate that the hardest-hit areas are those nearest to the mountains. Eyewitnesses in the foothills reported complete destruction in some towns, with numerous homes damaged in the village of Asni. More than a thousand people lost their lives in the province of Al Haouz, while over 400 perished in the city of Taroudant.
Emergency workers were quickly deployed to affected regions, although some roads were damaged or blocked by debris, hampering rescue efforts. Mohammed, a resident of Ouirgane, shared his heartbreak, having lost four family members in the quake. Rescue operations are still underway, with hopes of finding survivors amidst the rubble. Meanwhile, some residents of Marrakech chose to spend the night outside, fearing aftershocks, while others left the city entirely.
Morocco’s government has activated all available resources to handle the aftermath of the earthquake and has urged people to remain calm. King Mohammed VI has ordered the establishment of a relief commission to provide aid to survivors, including orphans and those who lost their homes. Additionally, three days of national mourning have been declared, with mosques across the nation holding funeral prayers for the victims.
Global leaders have expressed their condolences and offered assistance to Morocco. France has activated emergency aid to support humanitarian operations in the affected regions, while Turkey is ready to send personnel and tents to aid in relief efforts. Algeria, despite strained diplomatic ties, has agreed to reopen its airspace to facilitate humanitarian and medical flights. The United Nations, US President Joe Biden, and the World Bank have all pledged their support to Morocco.
As the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event, international assistance and condolences from leaders worldwide serve as a reminder of the global community’s solidarity.