A powerful earthquake has struck the central region of Morocco, leaving more than 2,000 people dead so far. This devastating earthquake, with a Richter scale magnitude of 6.8, has caused extensive damage to countless buildings. Many people are spending their nights outdoors under the open sky due to the fear of aftershocks. The shortage of food, water, and basic amenities has left thousands of people in dire conditions.
According to the latest information from the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior, the earthquake has claimed the lives of 2,112 people and left 2,059 others injured, with over 1,400 of them in critical condition. The highest casualty numbers have been reported in the southern regions of Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant, as well as in various municipalities.
In response to this crisis, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has declared three days of national mourning and issued directives to provide shelter, food, and other assistance to those affected.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the High Atlas Mountains, about 71 kilometers southwest of Marrakech, a popular tourist destination. The tremors were also felt in the capital city, Rabat, as well as in Casablanca and Essaouira.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake had a depth of 18.5 kilometers and lasted for about 20 seconds. The hilly areas have been significantly affected, with many homes damaged or destroyed.
Local reports show scenes of people running out of buildings, and dust clouds rising in the aftermath of the earthquake. Mohammed El Amrani, a resident of Marrakech, reported that he saw buildings shaking during the earthquake and later witnessed people in a state of panic. Children were crying, and many were outdoors on the streets. Even after the electricity was restored, some people did not return to their homes.
In the affected village near the earthquake’s epicenter, a local worker reported that many houses were severely damaged. People in neighboring areas are working tirelessly to rescue those trapped under the rubble.
Hamid Afkar, a teacher near Taroudant, mentioned that during the earthquake, he rushed out of his house and experienced several aftershocks. He described the earth shaking for about 20 seconds and said that his house’s door spontaneously closed and got stuck.
This earthquake is one of the most significant seismic events to hit Morocco in the last 500 years. The Atlas Mountains’ “reverse faulting” is believed to be the cause of this powerful earthquake. Spain and Portugal have also reported feeling the tremors.
