A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco late on Friday evening, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction and a significant loss of life. Officials have reported that at least 296 people have tragically lost their lives, while at least 153 individuals have sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
The earthquake, which occurred shortly after 22.00 local time wreaked havoc in major cities and regions, with many fatalities concentrated in hard-to-reach areas situated to the south of Marrakech. The Moroccan Interior Ministry emphasised that the reported figures regarding casualties are preliminary and subject to change as the situation unfolds.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) pinpointed the epicentre of the quake in the Atlas Mountains, approximately 75 kilometres (44 miles) from Marrakesh, the fourth-largest city in Morocco. The extent of the destruction became evident as Moroccans posted videos and images on social media showing buildings reduced to rubble, including parts of the renowned red walls that encircle the old city in Marrakesh, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Videos shared online captured scenes of residents evacuating buildings, screaming in panic, and rushing to safety in the streets. Roads leading to the mountainous region near the epicentre were reported to be congested with vehicles and blocked by fallen rocks, impeding rescue efforts.
Abderrahim Ait Daoud, the head of a town in the affected area, revealed that several nearby homes had either partially or entirely collapsed, while power outages and blocked roads added to the challenges faced by rescue teams. Clearing the way for ambulances and aid to reach affected populations in Al Haouz Province is a top priority.
The historic old town of Marrakesh, known as the Medina, also suffered damage, but the full extent of the devastation remains to be assessed. Walls buckled, and buildings were left in ruins, as shown in various posts on social media platforms.
Earthquakes of this magnitude are uncommon but not unexpected in the region, with the last major earthquake in Morocco occurring in 2004, resulting in over 600 fatalities. However, this earthquake is unique in that it has not been witnessed in the immediate area for over 120 years.
The USGS noted that “oblique-reverse faulting” in the Atlas Mountains was the underlying cause of this earthquake. Its relatively shallow depth of 18.5 kilometers (11.5 miles) contributed to its devastating impact.
Morocco, while not frequently susceptible to earthquakes, has witnessed tragic seismic events in the past, with neighbouring Algeria also experiencing significant quakes. In 1980, the El Asnam earthquake in Algeria, measuring 7.3 in magnitude, resulted in widespread destruction, levelling houses, and causing a substantial loss of life.
