Magnitude 6.8: The Earthquake that Devastated Central Morocco loss of 1000 Lives in Morocco’s Terrible Tremor.
The seismic activity’s point of origin, or the epicentre, was pinpointed by the US Geological Survey in the High Atlas Mountains. This location is roughly 71km (equivalent to 44 miles) in the south-west direction from Marrakesh and was measured to have a depth of 18.5km.
The seismic event was registered at 23:11 local time, subsequently followed by an aftershock measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale approximately 19 minutes thereafter.
Tragedy has struck in Marrakesh and its southern neighboring areas. According to a statement from the country’s interior ministry, there have been numerous casualties. A significant portion of these victims is suspected to be located in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Specifically, the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant have been highlighted as the most affected regions. Alongside the loss of life, it has been reported that upwards of 600 individuals have suffered injuries of varying degrees.
The warning issued by the Morocco government
Concerning the risk of severe aftershocks, a vast number of individuals decided to spend their night in open spaces, avoiding the potential dangers inside their homes. Simultaneously, Marrakesh’s medical institutions are grappling with an escalated number of injured individuals. Given the situation, local authorities are ardently requesting residents to step forward and donate blood to assist in medical treatments.
Reports indicate that numerous families are currently entrapped beneath the rubble of their residences within the city. Notably, parts of the Medina, recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site, have sustained damage. A resident provided a statement to the Reuters news agency, detailing the collapse of several structures. Moreover, video clips on platform X depict further destruction, although the precise locales are yet to be ascertained by the BBC. Noteworthy is the appearance of dust enveloping the minaret of Marrakesh’s esteemed Kutubiyya mosque, situated proximal to the primary square of the old city.
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Mr. Abdelhak El Amrani conveyed to the AFP agency that he perceived a pronounced seismic activity, during which he observed infrastructural disturbances. The populace exhibited palpable distress, characterized by the emotional responses of children and their caregivers. Mr. El Amrani further indicated a temporary disruption in utility services. In a related account, Mr. Fayssal Badour, a resident of Marrakesh, who was operating a motor vehicle at the quake’s inception, articulated the severe impact of the event and highlighted the deeply affecting vocal expressions of distress from the surrounding individuals.
The quake originated in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco and was shallow. Tremors reached as far as Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira, roughly 350km away.
Buildings in mountain villages near the epicentre been destroyed. Assessing casualties there may be delayed due to remoteness.
Amidst the dark silence, screams pierced the night, jolting British journalist Martin Jay from his sleep. In a conversation with BBC Radio 4’s Today, he painted a scene of eerie anticipation across Moroccan towns. Streets filled with anxious residents, all waiting for a predicted aftershock. A tremor that, to their relief, never came.
The tremors of the earthquake were discernible even in neighboring Algeria, but officials reported a fortunate absence of any damages or injuries. During the prominent G20 summit taking place in Delhi, a wave of international concern for Morocco was palpable. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the stage, asserting the global community’s commitment to aid the affected nation. This sentiment was echoed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who expressed deep solidarity, and a visibly moved French President Emmanuel Macron, who extended immediate assistance.
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