Update: Morocco quake kills over 1,000, damages historic cities

Marrakech, Morocco – A rare and powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, resulting in a tragic loss of life, with the death toll exceeding 1,000 people. The earthquake caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure, affecting areas from remote mountain villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakech, according to reports from the associated press.

The magnitude-6.8 earthquake is the most significant to hit Morocco in 120 years, and its impact was felt far and wide. The quake toppled buildings and walls in ancient cities constructed from stone and masonry, which were not designed to withstand such seismic events.

Terrified residents of Marrakech and other affected regions found themselves in the streets, fearful of returning to unstable buildings. Many resorted to sleeping outside, wrapped in blankets, as aftershocks continued to unsettle the area.

Eyewitnesses described the chaos and terror that unfolded during the earthquake, with reports of dishes and wall hangings falling, people being knocked off their feet, and intense vibrations shaking homes. The tremors were also felt in Spain and Algeria, causing damage to buildings in these neighboring countries.

The epicenter of the quake was located approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) northeast of Marrakech, near the town of Imilchil, known for its scenic lakes and mountains but also for its poverty and isolation.

The destruction left in the earthquake’s wake is profound, reducing buildings to rubble and dust. Even the iconic red walls of historic Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have not been spared, suffering damage in this tragic event. Notably, North Africa rarely experiences such powerful earthquakes, with the last significant event occurring in 1960 near Agadir, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives.

In response to the disaster, the Moroccan government declared a state of emergency and swiftly mobilized the army, police, and civil protection forces to aid in rescue and relief efforts. King Mohammed VI expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered an investigation into the causes and consequences of the earthquake.

The earthquake has also raised concerns about the safety of Morocco’s nuclear power plant, situated near the coast about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the epicenter. The plant’s operator has reassured that there was no damage or radiation leak, and the facility remains operational.

This devastating earthquake comes in the midst of a global surge in natural disasters linked to climate change, including floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions. Experts have cautioned that earthquakes may become more frequent and severe due to the stress imposed on the Earth’s crust by melting glaciers and rising sea levels.

Earlier Post: A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 has struck the African country of Morocco, claiming the lives of at least 632 people. An additional 329 individuals have been reported injured in the aftermath of this seismic catastrophe.

The Moroccan Geological Center initially recorded the earthquake at 7.2 magnitude, emphasizing its significant impact on the region. However, the US Geological Survey has slightly adjusted its intensity, rating it at 6.8. This earthquake is now noted as the most formidable to have struck the area in the past 120 years.

Reports from Moroccan state television indicate widespread structural damage, with many buildings collapsing in the quake’s wake. Numerous videos capturing the chaotic scenes have gone viral on social media, depicting people fleeing in fear.

The earthquake’s epicenter is situated in the village of Ighil, near the Atlas Mountains, approximately 70 kilometers from Marrakesh city. This seismic event occurred at a depth of 18.5 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface, causing tremors to be felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria.

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