Morocco is in mourning as the death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck the country has surged past 2,000, with a similar number of individuals injured, of whom more than 1,400 are reported to have serious injuries. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, has unleashed widespread devastation, particularly in provinces just south of Marrakesh.
The epicenter of the earthquake was in the High Atlas Mountains, located 71 kilometers (44 miles) southwest of the historic city of Marrakesh, which holds UNESCO World Heritage status and is a popular tourist destination. However, the tremors were felt across a vast area, including the capital Rabat, situated approximately 350 kilometers away, as well as in Casablanca, Agadir, and Essaouira.
The interior ministry has reported that the province of Al Haouz has the highest death toll, followed by Taroudant province. Marrakesh, though damaged, has experienced fewer fatalities.
The quake has wrought particular devastation in remote mountain areas, where entire villages are reported to have been flattened. Many of these settlements consisted of simple mud brick, stone, and timber homes, which were vulnerable to the powerful tremors.
Efforts to assess the scale of the devastation in these remote regions have been hampered by difficult terrain and debris-strewn mountain roads. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to reach affected areas, but access remains challenging.
Many people, fearing aftershocks, have spent a second night outdoors, while expressing desperation for food and water. The ordeal has been particularly harrowing for those who have lost loved ones and witnessed the destruction of their homes and communities.
In response to the disaster, King Mohammed VI has declared three days of national mourning and ordered the provision of shelter, food, and other essential assistance to survivors. Flags will be flown at half-mast on all public buildings in the country during this period of mourning.
The king has also directed the armed forces to support rescue teams, and Moroccans are rallying to donate blood as part of a national effort to assist victims.
This earthquake marks Morocco’s deadliest in decades, surpassing the 1960 Agadir earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6.7 and claimed over 12,000 lives. Friday’s quake also stands as the most powerful to hit Morocco in more than a century.
The international community has extended offers of assistance to Morocco, with the United Nations, Spain, France, Israel, and other nations pledging support for rescue efforts.
Morocco is now grappling with the immense task of providing relief to survivors, rebuilding shattered communities, and addressing the long-term impacts of this devastating earthquake.