Over 2,000 lives were tragically lost in a devastating earthquake that struck Morocco late on Friday night. The powerful quake left people scrambling out of their beds and resulted in the collapse of buildings in mountainous villages and historic cities that were ill-equipped to withstand such force. Rescue efforts were hampered by rough roads, making it difficult for responders to reach remote areas and search for survivors.
The earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, was the strongest to hit Morocco in 120 years. The Moroccan Interior Ministry reported that the majority of the damage occurred outside of urban areas. Marrakech and five provinces near the epicenter were the hardest-hit regions, with a reported death toll of 2,012 and 2,059 injured, 1,404 of whom were in critical condition.
Witnesses captured the chaos and panic on their cameras, with videos showing people evacuating restaurants in the city and iconic structures like the red walls of the old city suffering damage. The famous Koutoubia Mosque, known for its towering 226-foot minaret, also reported some damage.
Due to the nature of earthquakes, getting comprehensive information on casualties and damages may take time. Survivors described feeling the violent tremors and witnessing buildings swaying. The shock and panic caused distress among the population, particularly children and their distraught parents.
Remote villages, already struggling with drought, were cut off from the outside world as power and cellphone service were disrupted. Mourning their neighbors, residents used their camera phones to document the destruction and seek solace in their faith. However, the outlook for many, like 72-year-old mountain guide Hamid Idsalah, was grim. Without the means to rebuild their homes, they faced an uncertain future.
U.S. President Biden expressed condolences and solidarity with Morocco, stating that his administration was coordinating with Moroccan officials to ensure the safety of American citizens and to provide assistance to the Moroccan people. The U.S. Geological Survey reported a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 for the earthquake, with an aftershock measuring 4.9.
Experts explained that the devastation was due to the lack of robust construction in regions seldom affected by powerful earthquakes. They warned that the death toll was likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continued, alongside the possibility of further aftershocks causing more damage.
In spite of the challenges faced by Morocco, the spirit of resilience remained strong among its people. Families recounted their harrowing experiences of fleeing their homes during the tremors, struggling to maintain their balance as they descended staircases. Despite the fear and uncertainty, they sought solace in the fact that they had survived.
Following this tragedy, Morocco now faces the daunting task of rebuilding shattered communities and supporting those who have lost everything. The impact of this earthquake will be felt for years to come, as the country comes to terms with the scale of the devastation.
Sources:
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