Tragedy Strikes as Magnitude 6.8 Earthquake Claims 820 Lives in Central Morocco
In a devastating turn of events, a powerful earthquake measuring a magnitude of 6.8 has struck central Morocco, claiming the lives of a minimum of 820 individuals, according to official reports from the country’s interior ministry.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the High Atlas Mountains, situated 71 kilometers (44 miles) to the southwest of Marrakesh, at a depth of approximately 18.5 kilometers, as confirmed by the US Geological Survey.
This seismic event occurred at 23:11 local time on Friday, which corresponds to 22:11 GMT. Shortly thereafter, a 4.9 magnitude aftershock followed just 19 minutes later.
According to reports, as gathered by Excel Magazine International, casualties have been reported in Marrakesh and various southern regions, with a significant number occurring in remote areas.
The interior ministry disclosed that the earthquake has resulted in fatalities across the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant, noting more than 600 individuals have sustained injuries.
In response to the ongoing threat of aftershocks, the Moroccan government urged citizens to remain outside overnight, refraining from returning to their homes.
Excel Magazine International further learnt that hospitals in Marrakesh have witnessed an influx of injured individuals, prompting authorities to make an urgent appeal for blood donations.
Disturbingly, there are reports of families trapped beneath the rubble of their homes within the city, and sections of the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have suffered damage. Some buildings have tragically collapsed, although the exact locations have yet to be confirmed at the press time.
Eyewitness accounts describe the terrifying experience, with one resident recalling a “violent tremor” and the sight of “buildings moving.”
Panic and distress permeated the affected areas, as residents, including children, grappled with the traumatic aftermath.
The earthquake’s epicenter, located in a remote region of the High Atlas Mountains, was relatively shallow. Reports also indicate that tremors were felt as far away as the capital, Rabat, approximately 350 kilometers distant, as well as in Casablanca and Essaouira.
Given the remoteness of some mountain villages near the epicenter and the nature of their simple structures, it may take some time to ascertain the extent of casualties in these areas.
Reflecting on the nightmarish ordeal, British journalist Martin Jay, who resides in Morocco, shared his account of widespread fear and anticipation of a second earthquake.
Beyond Morocco’s borders, the earthquake was also felt in neighboring Algeria; however, officials in Algeria have reported no significant damage or casualties.
In a show of international solidarity, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, speaking at the G20 summit in Delhi, pledged assistance from the global community to support Morocco during this crisis.
Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez and French President, Emmanuel Macron both expressed their condolences and offered aid to the Moroccan people during this difficult time.
