Late on Friday night, a powerful earthquake struck Morocco’s High Atlas mountains, causing significant damage to historic buildings in the nearby city of Marrakech. However, the majority of the casualties were reported in the mountainous regions to the south.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly to search for survivors in the remote mountain villages of Morocco on Saturday. This earthquake marked the deadliest in the country in over six decades, claiming the lives of more than 1,000 people.
The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 6.8 according to the U.S. Geological Survey, had its epicenter approximately 72 km (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech. Historic structures in Marrakech suffered damage due to the seismic event.
In the village of Amizmiz, located near the epicenter, rescue workers used their bare hands to sift through rubble. Streets were clogged with fallen masonry, creating a challenging environment for rescue operations. Outside a local hospital, around 10 bodies were covered with blankets as grieving family members stood nearby.
Mohamed Azaw, a resident of the area, shared his harrowing experience: “When I felt the earth shaking beneath my feet and the house leaning, I rushed to get my kids out. But my neighbors couldn’t. Unfortunately, no one was found alive in that family. The father and son were found dead, and they are still searching for the mother and daughter.”
In Amizmiz, rescuers had to navigate the collapsed floors of buildings, with bits of carpet and furniture protruding from the rubble. Access to nearby villages was hindered by fallen boulders, adding to the challenges faced by rescue teams.
The earthquake’s impact extended across a broad stretch of the High Atlas mountain range. Tremors were even felt in locations as far away as Huelva and Jaen in Andalusia, southern Spain.
Footage from street cameras in Marrakech captured the moment the ground began to shake, with people reacting in shock and fleeing to find shelter as dust and debris swirled around them. In Marrakech, where at least 13 people lost their lives, residents spent the night outdoors, fearful of returning to their homes.
In the heart of Marrakech’s old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a mosque minaret collapsed in Jemaa al-Fna Square. Injured individuals from the surrounding areas sought medical attention in Marrakech.
This tragic earthquake has left Morocco and its communities grappling with the devastating consequences of this natural disaster.
