Morocco was struck by a rare and powerful earthquake, causing widespread devastation in mountainous villages and ancient cities that were not designed to withstand such force.
The earthquake, which measured 6.8 on the Richter scale, was the largest to hit the North African country in 120 years. The disaster claimed the lives of over 1,000 people, with the death toll expected to rise as rescuers work to reach remote areas where the dead are buried and save those who are trapped.
The earthquake caused panic and disbelief among the population, with many fleeing their homes in terror. The destruction caused by the quake was extensive, with walls made from stone and masonry collapsing and covering entire communities with rubble. The aftermath of the disaster has left residents picking their way precariously through the remains of their homes.
In the impoverished mountain community of Moulay Brahim, a tent typically used for celebrations was erected to provide shelter for those left homeless. The community’s homes, made of clay and brick, were largely left uninhabitable. The tragedy has left fathers grieving the loss of their children, with bodies covered in blankets lying in the health center next to a mosque. Doctors are treating surface wounds and pulling shards from people’s feet as they work to save as many lives as possible.
“There’s nothing to do but pray,” said Hamza Lamghani, who lost five of his closest friends.
On state television, individuals were observed gathering in the streets of the historic city of Marrakech, exhibiting apprehension towards returning to potentially unstable buildings. Many resorted to wrapping themselves in blankets as they attempted to sleep outdoors.
The Koutoubia Mosque, a renowned 12th-century structure, sustained damage, although the extent of the destruction remains unclear. Its 69-meter (226-foot) minaret is famously referred to as the “roof of Marrakech.” Videos shared by Moroccans also revealed harm to sections of the iconic red walls that encircle the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
According to the Moroccan Interior Ministry’s report on Saturday morning, at least 1,037 individuals perished, primarily in Marrakech and five provinces near the quake’s epicenter, while another 1,204 individuals were injured. The ministry further stated that 721 of the injured were in critical condition.
“The problem is that where destructive earthquakes are rare, buildings are simply not constructed robustly enough to cope with strong ground shaking, so many collapse, resulting in high casualties,” said Bill McGuire, professor emeritus of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London. “I would expect the final death toll to climb into the thousands once more is known. As with any big quake, aftershocks are likely, which will lead to further casualties and hinder search and rescue.”
In a sign of the huge scale of the disaster, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI ordered the armed forces to specialized search and rescue teams and a surgical field hospital, according to a statement from the military.
