Rabat, 9 September, 2023 (GNP): Morocco is grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic 6.8 magnitude earthquake that has left over 1,000 people dead and hundreds more injured, according to official reports. Many of the casualties are concentrated in remote areas south of Marrakech.
The earthquake’s epicenter was situated high in the Atlas Mountains, approximately 43 miles (70km) away from Marrakech, a renowned tourist hotspot. The rescue operation on Saturday is focused on reaching isolated villages where aging traditional structures are more susceptible to collapse.
The earthquake struck late on a Friday, causing extensive damage to buildings and sending frightened residents spilling into the streets. The Interior Ministry has reported at least 1,204 people injured, with 721 in critical condition. Experts have expressed concerns that the death toll could potentially reach to thousands.
Bill McGuire, a professor specializing in geophysical and climate hazards at University College London, noted that in areas where destructive earthquakes are infrequent, buildings may not be constructed robustly enough to withstand intense ground shaking, resulting in a high number of collapses.
https://twitter.com/Marocdiplo_EN/status/1700575946619674939?t=4mBRUyN0U9gxROWzh3coag&s=08
In Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, some buildings have crumbled, and significant cracks have marred parts of the medieval city walls. Local television broadcasts have shown images of a fallen mosque minaret, with debris strewn over damaged cars. Panicked individuals were witnessed fleeing shopping centers and restaurants.
Efforts are underway to clear roads to enable ambulances and aid to reach affected areas. However, the vast distances between mountain villages are slowing down the assessment of the full extent of the damage. Reports from local media indicate that roads leading to the mountainous regions are clogged with vehicles and obstructed by fallen rocks, impeding rescue operations.
Residents in affected areas, such as the mountain village of Asni, are grappling with widespread house damage, and neighbors are mobilizing to rescue those trapped under debris. In the village of Amizmiz, rescue workers are diligently sifting through rubble, with stories of tragic losses emerging.
Aftershocks continue to unsettle the population, leaving many fearful of further tremors. This earthquake is the most powerful to hit Morocco in decades, with earthquakes being relatively rare in North Africa. The last major tremor in 1960 resulted in thousands of casualties, prompting changes in construction laws. However, many buildings, particularly rural homes, remain ill-equipped to withstand such seismic events.
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Morocco has not yet requested international assistance, which is a necessary step for foreign rescue teams to be deployed. The United Nations has expressed readiness to assist. In addition, several countries including France, Spain, Turkey, and Pakistan have also offered their help.
Ambassador @hamidasgharkhan , officers, staff & Pakistani community in Morocco express their deepest condolences to Govt & people of Morocco at the devastation caused by terrible earthquake. We stand ready to assist in any manner required @MoroccoWNews @lematinpointma pic.twitter.com/c9xQTZytnI
— Pakistan Embassy Morocco (@PakinMorocco) September 9, 2023
Despite recent diplomatic tensions, Algeria has announced it will open its airspace for humanitarian and medical flights to Morocco. The United Kingdom has also extended its support to Morocco during this crisis, pledging assistance to the Moroccan people.
