A Rare and Powerful Earthquake Strikes Morocco, Resulting in Devastation and Loss of Life
A rare and powerful earthquake struck Morocco late on Friday, causing widespread devastation and resulting in the loss of over 2,100 lives. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, toppled buildings that were unable to withstand its force, leaving many people trapped in rubble and others fleeing in terror.
The aftermath of the earthquake was further shaken by a magnitude 3.9 aftershock on Sunday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It remains unclear if this aftershock caused additional damage or casualties.
The majority of the deaths, at least 2,122 as of Sunday, occurred in the city of Marrakech and the surrounding provinces, as reported by the Interior Ministry. Search and rescue teams, accompanied by specially trained dogs, have been tirelessly working to locate survivors and recover bodies amidst the debris.
International aid crews have been prepared to offer assistance, but their deployment has been delayed by the official request from the Moroccan government. Frustration mounts as time is of the essence in saving lives and finding those who are still trapped. Arnaud Fraisse, founder of Rescuers Without Borders, voiced the urgency, saying, “There are people dying under the rubble, and we cannot do anything to save them.”
In Amizmiz, one of the hardest-hit areas, aid has been insufficient, leaving the community in a state of uncertainty and despair. Salah Ancheu, a villager, summed up the devastation, saying, “It’s a catastrophe. We don’t know what the future holds.”
Those left homeless or fearful of more aftershocks have resorted to sleeping outside, seeking refuge wherever they can find it. The roads leading to the affected rural communities have become impassable due to fallen rocks, making relief efforts challenging.
In response to the tragedy, King Mohammed VI has declared three days of national mourning and ordered the mobilization of search and rescue teams. The king has also directed the provision of essential supplies such as water, food rations, and shelters to those who have lost their homes.
Despite the devastation, the resilience of the Moroccan people shines through. Many have lined up to donate blood, recognizing the urgent need for assistance. Pope Francis has offered prayers for Morocco, and mosques across the country have held prayers for the victims.
As the recovery efforts continue, it is evident that this earthquake has left a lasting impact on Morocco. With its magnitude and destructive power, it stands as the strongest earthquake the country has experienced in over a century. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of implementing and adhering to construction regulations to minimize the impact of such disasters.
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