MARRAKECH, Morocco. A rare and devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Morocco late Friday night, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 1,000 lives and widespread damage to buildings across the affected region. The disaster’s full extent remains uncertain as rescue teams encounter challenging conditions while trying to reach the remote mountain villages that have been hit the hardest.
The earthquake, which is the most powerful to hit Morocco in the last 120 years, sent shockwaves through the Atlas Mountains and reached the historic city of Marrakech, leaving residents in a state of terror and disbelief. Witnesses reported that the violent tremors caused dishes and wall hangings to fall, while people were thrown off their feet and chairs. The intensity of the quake prompted many to flee their homes as the ground shook beneath them.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, the streets of Marrakech were filled with people who were afraid to return to buildings that may still be unstable. Many sought refuge outside, wrapping themselves in blankets as they attempted to find solace amidst the chaos.
The earthquake’s impact on historic structures has been substantial, particularly in cities constructed from stone and masonry that were not designed to withstand such seismic events. Among the damaged landmarks is the renowned Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century, although the full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed. Additionally, sections of the iconic red walls surrounding the old city of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have also suffered harm.
The tragic toll from the earthquake has reached at least 1,037 fatalities, primarily in Marrakech and five neighboring provinces near the epicenter. Another 1,204 individuals have been reported injured, with 721 of them in critical condition, according to Morocco’s Interior Ministry.
Rescue operations have continued tirelessly through the night, with teams navigating through rubble and darkness in search of survivors. Entire villages, such as Moulay Brahim, situated on a mountainside south of Marrakech, have been rendered uninhabitable, with collapsed walls, shattered windows, and numerous homes reduced to rubble. Trapped residents have faced dire circumstances, prompting efforts to free them using hammers and axes.
While offers of assistance have poured in from around the world, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has authorized the mobilization of the armed forces, specialized search and rescue teams, and a surgical field hospital to address the immediate crisis. However, as of now, the Moroccan government has not officially requested external aid, a prerequisite for international rescue teams to be deployed.
Despite the challenges faced by rescue teams, the Moroccan military has deployed aircraft, helicopters, drones, and emergency services to the affected areas. Nevertheless, access to the mountainous region surrounding the earthquake’s epicenter has been obstructed by collapsed rocks and congested roads, impeding the pace of rescue efforts.
The earthquake’s epicenter was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) south of Marrakech. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the epicenter was 18 kilometers (11 miles) below the Earth’s surface, while Morocco’s seismic agency estimated it to be at 11 kilometers (7 miles) depth. Such shallow quakes are known to be more destructive.
This tragedy has highlighted the vulnerability of regions unaccustomed to earthquakes, where buildings are often inadequately constructed to withstand the force of powerful tremors. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for aftershocks to further complicate rescue and relief efforts.
As condolences and offers of assistance pour in from across the globe, the people of Morocco face an arduous path to recovery from this unprecedented disaster.
AP contributed to the story.
