A rare and powerful earthquake that struck Morocco late Friday night has killed 2,497 people and injured at least 2,421 others, according to the interior ministry, reported by bbc news agency. The 6.8-magnitude quake, the country’s deadliest in 60 years, hit below villages in the High Atlas mountains south of Marrakech, causing widespread damage and panic.
Rescue teams, including some from foreign countries, have been working around the clock to search for survivors and victims under the rubble of collapsed buildings. However, the task has been hampered by the remote and rugged terrain, the lack of heavy equipment and the risk of aftershocks. A 3.9-magnitude aftershock was recorded on Sunday, adding to the fear and anxiety of the affected population.
Many people have lost their homes and belongings in the quake, and have been sleeping outdoors or in makeshift shelters. Some of the hardest-hit areas are rural communities that rely on traditional mud brick, stone and rough wood housing that could not withstand the seismic force. The Moroccan government has declared a state of emergency and has accepted aid from four countries: France, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The world has expressed its solidarity and sympathy with Morocco in this time of crisis. Pope Francis offered his prayers for the injured and the deceased, and praised the rescuers for their efforts. Chef José Andrés announced that his nonprofit organization, World Central Kitchen, was setting up food trucks in remote locations to provide meals for those in need.
The earthquake has also raised questions about the preparedness and resilience of Morocco to cope with such natural disasters. The country is located in a seismically active zone, but earthquakes of this magnitude are rare. The last major quake occurred in 1960, killing about 12,000 people in the city of Agadir. Experts have urged the authorities to improve the building codes and standards, as well as to raise public awareness and education on earthquake safety.
(Incorporating information from various sources)
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