• Contact Us
  • Login
Subscribe
LittleAfrica News
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mona Davids, Founder and Publisher
    • Mymoena Kalinisan-Davids, Director of Communications and Editor-in-Chief
  • Newspaper Editions
  • Education
  • Metro
  • Africa
  • Caribbean
  • U.S.
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mona Davids, Founder and Publisher
    • Mymoena Kalinisan-Davids, Director of Communications and Editor-in-Chief
  • Newspaper Editions
  • Education
  • Metro
  • Africa
  • Caribbean
  • U.S.
No Result
View All Result
LittleAfrica News
No Result
View All Result
Home Africa

Morocco Earthquake Claims Over 1,000 Lives, Historic Marrakech Structures Affected

Mymoena Davids by Mymoena Davids
September 10, 2023
in Africa
Morocco Earthquake Claims Over 1,000 Lives, Historic Marrakech Structures Affected
7
SHARES
347
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

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.

Related

Tags: AfricaEarthquakeLittleAfrica NewsMorocco
Previous Post

Veteran NY1 Anchor Ruschell Boone Loses Battle to Pancreatic Cancer at 48

Next Post

LittleAfrica News Newspaper : September 12 — September 18

Mymoena Davids

Mymoena Davids

Related Posts

Death Toll Continues to Rise Following Libya Floods
Africa

Death Toll Continues to Rise Following Libya Floods

by LittleAfrica News Staff Writer
September 22, 2023
164
China and Zambia Strengthen Ties, Emphasizing Economic and Strategic Cooperation
Africa

China and Zambia Strengthen Ties, Emphasizing Economic and Strategic Cooperation

by LittleAfrica News Staff Writer
September 22, 2023
259
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso Forge Alliance Amid Sahel Security Concerns
International

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso Forge Alliance Amid Sahel Security Concerns

by LittleAfrica News Staff Writer
September 22, 2023
220
G77+China Summit Advocates for New Economic World Order
International

G77+China Summit Advocates for New Economic World Order

by Mona Davids
September 20, 2023
386
Power Interruptions in Sierra Leone as Turkish Firm Halts Supply Over Debt
Africa

Power Interruptions in Sierra Leone as Turkish Firm Halts Supply Over Debt

by Mymoena Davids
September 16, 2023
427
Next Post
LittleAfrica News Newspaper : September 12 — September 18

LittleAfrica News Newspaper : September 12 — September 18

Translate

LittleAfrica News Newspaper : September 5  — September 11
Metro

LittleAfrica News Newspaper : September 5 — September 11

LittleAfrica News Newspaper : September 5 — September 11

September 4, 2023
LittleAfrica News Newspaper : September 12 — September 18
Metro

LittleAfrica News Newspaper : September 12 — September 18

LittleAfrica News Newspaper: September 12—18 Click here to watch the full interview with Mayor Eric Adams

September 11, 2023
LittleAfrica News Newspaper : September 19 — September 25
Metro

LittleAfrica News Newspaper : September 19 — September 25

Little Africa News Newspaper: September 19 — September 25

September 18, 2023

Local, National, and International News for the Diaspora

BOMESI - Black Owned Media Equity and Sustainability Institute

Recent Posts

  • Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes Op-Ed: Support CAURD Cannibas
  • NYC Sets 30-Day Shelter Stay Policy for Single Adult Migrants Amid Surging Numbers
  • Mayor Adams Warns of Rise in Illicit Trade Due to Migrant Work-Visa Delays
  • Biden Administration Raises Concerns Over NYC’s Migrant Crisis Management
  • Former NYC Building Commissioner Faces Charges for $150,000 in Bribes

Menu

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mona Davids, Founder and Publisher
    • Mymoena Kalinisan-Davids, Director of Communications and Editor-in-Chief
  • Newspaper Editions
  • Education
  • Metro
  • Africa
  • Caribbean
  • U.S.

© 2023 LittleAfrica News. A Project of Social Impact Strategies. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Letters to the Editor
  • LittleAfrica News Newspaper : March 1 – March 15
  • LittleAfrica News Newspaper Print Edition : February 16 – February 28
  • Mona Davids, Founder and Publisher
  • Mymoena Kalinisan-Davids, Director of Communications and Editor-in-Chief
  • Newspaper Digital Editions
  • Pricing
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

© 2023 LittleAfrica News. A Project of Social Impact Strategies. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?