A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck central Morocco, unleashing chaos and destruction, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 1,000 lives and causing severe damage to numerous areas. The earthquake struck at 23:11 local time on Friday, sending terrified residents fleeing into the streets.
The quake, characterized by “violent” tremors, was felt across several regions of the country, from Casablanca to Marrakesh. Many buildings have been reduced to rubble or left severely damaged in its wake. The epicenter was located in the High Atlas Mountains, approximately 71 kilometers (44 miles) southwest of Marrakesh.
The true scale of the devastation is still unfolding, with many victims believed to be trapped in hard-to-reach mountain areas. Rescue efforts are underway, and several bodies have already been recovered. Hospitals in Marrakesh are overwhelmed with an influx of injured individuals, prompting authorities to appeal to residents for blood donations.
The earthquake’s impact on Morocco has been profound, particularly in the historic city of Marrakesh, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In parts of the Medina, the old city, severe damage is evident, and some buildings have collapsed. The iconic Kutubiyya mosque and the historic Jemaa el Fnaa mosque have not been spared, with both structures sustaining significant damage.
Residents, like Rashid Ben Arabi, described the immediate aftermath as a chaotic and harrowing experience. As the earthquake struck Marrakesh, Rashid and his family quickly fled the city to the town of Amizmiz, about 56 kilometers (35 miles) away, to check on his parents’ well-being. Roads were packed with panicked residents, and the city was plunged into darkness due to power outages.
Rashid recounted the scene upon his arrival in Amizmiz, where he witnessed people in a state of hysteria, crying and screaming, desperately searching for their loved ones. Tragically, he saw a man near the rubble of his home, helplessly listening to the cries of his two children trapped beneath the collapsed structure, with rescue teams yet to arrive.
Moroccan authorities issued a warning not to re-enter homes due to the risk of severe aftershocks. Indeed, a 4.9-magnitude aftershock occurred just 19 minutes after the initial earthquake, intensifying the sense of unease and uncertainty.
The full extent of the damage in remote mountain villages remains unknown, but it is feared to be extensive. The disaster has left a nation in mourning and a region grappling with the monumental task of rescue and recovery amid the backdrop of profound tragedy.