Rabat: In a tragic turn of events, Morocco was shaken to its core by a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck on a Friday night, leaving devastation and despair in its wake.
The catastrophe, labeled the strongest tremor to strike the region in over a century by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), occurred in the High Atlas mountain range shortly after 11 p.m. local time. With a relatively shallow depth of 18.5 kilometers (11.4 miles), the quake sent shockwaves of terror through the population.
The epicenter of this seismic upheaval was located approximately 72 kilometers (44.7 miles) southwest of Marrakech, a city known for its vibrant culture and popularity among tourists.
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However, on this fateful night, the bustling city of some 840,000 people would experience a different kind of influx—those forced to spend the night in the streets after their homes became uninhabitable.
Tragically, the earthquake claimed the lives of at least 296 people, with an additional 153 individuals sustaining injuries, according to a report from Morocco's state-run Al-Aoula television. The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces issued a sobering warning, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability to aftershocks.
"We remind you of the need to exercise caution and take safety measures due to the risk of aftershocks," the military posted on social media, echoing the fear that tremors could compound the disaster.
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The USGS, an authoritative source on geological events, expressed astonishment at the earthquake's strength in this region.
"Earthquakes of this size in the region are uncommon, but not unexpected," the USGS reported. "Since 1900, there have been no earthquakes of magnitude 6 or larger within 500 kilometers of this earthquake, and only 9 earthquakes of magnitude 5 or larger."
The USGS went on to predict that the consequences of the earthquake would be far-reaching, emphasizing the likelihood of significant damage.
Many residents in the affected area reside in structures that are highly susceptible to earthquake-induced shaking, amplifying the potential for destruction.
The aftermath of the earthquake was visible in chilling images broadcast by Al-Aoula television. Multiple buildings near the epicenter had crumbled, leaving a trail of debris and devastation.
Fearing the looming threat of aftershocks, thousands of people evacuated their homes following a warning from the country's National Institute of Geophysics.
In Marrakech, a city characterized by its tightly packed old town, the destruction was particularly pronounced. Houses had collapsed, and residents found themselves sifting through rubble by hand as they awaited the arrival of heavy equipment to aid in the search and rescue efforts. Local resident Id Waaziz Hassan described the scene as chaotic, with the urgency to locate survivors growing by the minute.
Another Marrakech resident, Brahim Himmi, recounted the terrifying ordeal. He witnessed ambulances rushing through the narrow streets of the old town, where many building facades had been damaged. Fearful of another quake, people huddled together outside, their faces etched with anxiety.
The earthquake's impact rippled far beyond Marrakech, reaching the capital city of Rabat, located approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) to the north of the High Atlas mountains.
Eyewitnesses in Rabat reported feeling the tremors, further highlighting the seismic force that had been unleashed upon Morocco.
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As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, the immediate focus is on rescue and relief efforts, as well as providing support to the survivors who have lost their homes and loved ones.
International aid and solidarity are likely to play a crucial role in helping Morocco recover from this tragic natural disaster, which has left scars that will be felt for years to come.
