MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) — A powerful earthquake rocked Morocco, causing widespread destruction in mountainous villages and ancient cities ill-prepared for such a catastrophe. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, claimed the lives of over 2,000 people, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue in remote areas.
The earthquake struck late Friday, catching residents by surprise and triggering panic. Witnesses reported dishes and wall hangings falling, and people being knocked off their feet. The quake caused walls made of stone and masonry to collapse, burying entire communities under rubble.
The devastation was felt throughout the High Atlas region, with homes collapsing and grieving parents carrying the bodies of their children through the streets. In isolated villages like those in the drought-stricken Ouargane Valley, the loss of electricity and cellphone service further cut them off from the outside world. Residents gathered outside to mourn, capturing the damage on their camera phones and offering prayers for survival.
A 72-year-old mountain guide named Hamid Idsalah expressed despair about his future prospects. His home was destroyed, and he lacked the means to rebuild. Nevertheless, he held onto hope, saying, “I’m alive, so I’ll wait.” The earthquake also caused damage to historic sites, including the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech and the red walls surrounding the city.
The official death toll stood at 2,012, mostly in Marrakech and neighboring provinces. Thousands more were injured, with many in critical condition. According to Bill McGuire, a geophysical and climate hazards expert, the high casualties were a result of buildings not being constructed to withstand strong earthquakes.
King Mohammed VI mobilized specialized search and rescue teams and a surgical field hospital. While offers of assistance poured in from around the world, Morocco had not yet requested outside help. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province.
The earthquake drew condolences and offers of aid from world leaders, including Turkey, France, Germany, Ukraine, and Russia. Even neighboring rival Algeria offered to open its airspace to facilitate humanitarian aid flights, despite the two countries’ long-standing dispute over Western Sahara.
Earthquakes are rare in North Africa, and this one was the strongest ever recorded in the region, according to Lahcen Mhanni, a seismic expert. Morocco had previously experienced deadly earthquakes in 1960 and 2004, prompting some changes in construction regulations.
The earthquake’s impact was felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria. Rescue efforts were ongoing, with teams working tirelessly to reach remote areas and provide assistance to those affected by this tragic natural disaster.
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