Over 1,000 people lost their lives, and several hundred were injured following a devastating earthquake close to the historic city of Marrakech on Friday, September 8th.
The earthquake, which measured a magnitude of 6.8, wreaked havoc on the Atlas Mountains, demolishing hundreds of homes and causing significant damage to various historical landmarks in Marrakech.
Videos circulating online captured the grim aftermath, showing residents in states of shock and panic, navigating the dust-filled streets in search of safety.
One resident, Hamza Lamghani, who lost five close friends, told the Associated Press, “There’s nothing to do but pray.”
Recovery efforts faced challenges as many roads were rendered inaccessible, making it tough to reach those trapped under debris in some remote areas. Power outages further complicated matters in several affected regions.
In response, the Moroccan government dispatched aid trucks loaded with food, blankets, and camp cots. Meanwhile, in Marrakech, ambulances rushed through the streets, transporting the injured to packed hospitals.
The historic city, dating back to the 11th century, is home to many ancient stone structures not built to withstand such seismic events. The iconic 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque showed signs of damage, with online footage revealing its 226-foot-high minaret swaying amidst dust clouds. There are also reports of parts of the UNESCO-recognized red walls of the city collapsing.
On Saturday morning, the Morocco Interior Ministry confirmed that 1,037 individuals had died, mainly in Marrakech and five nearby provinces. Additionally, out of the 1,204 injured, 721 are in critical condition.
Recognizing the magnitude of the disaster, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI directed the armed forces to dispatch specialized search and rescue teams and establish a surgical field hospital.
Marrakech, known globally as a tourist hub, witnessed tourists and locals volunteering at hospitals, with many offering blood donations to aid the injured.
World leaders, including United States President Joe Biden, expressed their condolences. “We are working expeditiously to ensure American citizens in Morocco are safe and stand ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Moroccan people,” Biden said.
Several countries, including France and Germany, which have significant Moroccan diaspora, pledged assistance.
Furthermore, the United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the setup of an air bridge to dispatch critical relief supplies to the affected regions.
The recent earthquake could be the most powerful ever recorded in the Atlas Mountain region. A 1960 earthquake near Agadir claimed the lives of 12,000 to 15,000 people.
