Highlights
- Earthquake in Morocco by a magnitude 7.2, the deadliest in over 60 years.
- The earthquake claims over 800 lives, leaving hundreds injured.
- Most casualties reported in mountainous areas near Marrakech, where homes have collapsed, and rescuers search for survivors.
- Residents in Amizmiz share stories of families trapped in collapsing homes, prompting desperate rescue efforts.
- Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, witnesses damage, including the collapse of a mosque minaret.
- The earthquake’s effects extend to areas like Moulay Ibrahim, south of Marrakech, where communities work to rescue those trapped.
- People in Rabat, Imsouane, and Casablanca flee their homes due to fear of aftershocks, captured in social media videos.
- International governments express solidarity and offer assistance, with Turkey, having faced its own earthquakes, extending support to Morocco.
- Ongoing efforts to rescue survivors and aid affected regions as Morocco and the international community unite during this tragic time.
Earthquake in Morocco
Earthquake in Morocco was registering a magnitude of 7.2, late on Friday night. This earthquake, the deadliest in Morocco in over six decades, has left more than 800 people dead and hundreds more injured. Rescue efforts are currently underway in remote mountain villages, where homes have been toppled, and lives shattered.
The Catastrophic Impact:
The earthquake, which originated in Morocco’s High Atlas mountains, has wreaked havoc in the region. According to the Interior Ministry, the death toll has risen to a staggering 820, with an additional 672 people injured. The majority of the casualties occurred in the mountainous areas surrounding Marrakech, the nearest city to the epicenter.
Read Also: COP28 Uniting the World Against Climate Change in Dubai
Desperate Rescue Efforts:
In the village of Amizmiz, approximately 60 km south of Marrakech, rescue workers are tirelessly searching through the rubble for survivors. Heartbreaking stories of families torn apart are emerging, with some residents unable to escape their collapsing homes in time. The situation remains dire as rescuers continue their arduous work to locate any remaining survivors.
Urban Areas Affected:
The impact of the earthquake extended to urban areas as well. In Marrakech, where 13 people have been confirmed dead, residents spent the night outdoors, too afraid to return to their homes. The historic old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, suffered significant damage, with a mosque minaret collapsing in the heart of Jemaa al-Fna Square.
Spread of Devastation:
The earthquake’s effects rippled outward from the epicenter. State television footage from the Moulay Ibrahim area, located approximately 40 km south of Marrakech, showed dozens of houses in ruins at the foothills of a mountain. Residents there are working tirelessly, both to rescue those trapped beneath the debris and to dig graves for the deceased.
Terrifying Moments:
Residents in other cities, such as Rabat and Imsouane, also fled their homes, fearing further tremors. In Casablanca, located approximately 250 km north of the epicenter, people spent the night on the streets due to their fears. Social media shared videos of the immediate aftermath, portraying people rushing out of buildings and seeking refuge outdoors.
International Response:
Governments worldwide have expressed solidarity with Morocco and offered assistance. Turkey, which faced its own devastating earthquakes earlier in the year, has extended its support. The international community is rallying together to aid Morocco during this crisis.
Conclusion:
As Morocco grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic earthquake, the nation is united in grief and determination to support those affected. Rescue operations continue, and the world watches with concern and empathy, hoping for the safe recovery of survivors and the swift restoration of the affected regions.
