Rosalind Evans
Following the catastrophic earthquake in Morocco, search teams are tirelessly scouring the debris and striving to reach isolated areas. The tremor, which took thousands of lives and left even more injured or missing, stands as the most potent in over 100 years, centring not far from the key tourist and economic center, Marrakech.
As of Monday, the state media reports a tragic count of 2,497 deaths and 2,476 injuries.
Key Details:
Timing and Location:
– The quake occurred at roughly 11.11 p.m. local time (6.11 p.m. ET) on Friday.
– Its origin was pinpointed in the High Atlas mountain range, approximately 72 kilometres southwest of Marrakech, home to almost 840,000 inhabitants.
– Its tremors were felt as distant as Casablanca, but regions near the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech’s core bore the brunt of its destruction.
Magnitude:
– The earthquake’s magnitude was gauged at 6.8, categorizing it as a “strong” quake. Its relatively shallow origin amplified its destruction.
– This tremor surpasses any other in Morocco’s history in terms of its power, the previous most devastating one being in 1960 which took over 12,000 lives.
– Quakes of such intensity are infrequent but anticipated, as indicated by the US Geological Survey.
Regions Most Affected:
– Al Haouz province faced the harshest aftermath, reporting around 1,500 casualties. This region, along with other severely impacted zones, nestles at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and contains several remote settlements.
– First-hand reports from the region paint a dire picture. Many settlements, like the village of Asni, have been gravely affected.
– Taroudant in southwestern Morocco mourns the loss of over 400 of its residents.
– Marrakech and its adjacent areas saw over 300,000 individuals impacted. Notably, the historic Marrakech Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been severely damaged, with numerous ancient structures inside suffering substantial damage or collapsing.
– Images from outside Marrakech reveal significant damage to the historic 12th-century Tinmal Mosque.
Ground Report:
– Despite challenges with damaged roads and debris, emergency responders have been actively helping the affected regions.
– Narratives from survivors, like Mohammed from Ouirgane, reveal the personal tragedies many are grappling with.
– The Moroccan government has admitted the challenges they face due to the damaged infrastructure, particularly in reaching the more remote, affected areas.
– Many have been forced to seek refuge outside their homes, with some setting up temporary shelters.
– King Mohammed VI has initiated measures to aid survivors and declared three days of national mourning, marking the tragedy’s scale.
Global Response:
– Countries worldwide have extended condolences and offered aid.
– France has committed to financial aid and emergency support.
– Spain and Britain have dispatched search and rescue teams, while Turkey has offered personnel and relief equipment.
– Even Algeria, despite its strained relations with Morocco, is reopening its airspace for humanitarian efforts.
– Organizations like the Red Cross Society of China are extending financial aid to support relief activities.
– Global institutions like the UN, the World Bank, and key figures such as US President Joe Biden have signalled their readiness to assist.
The unfolding events in Morocco underline the fragility of life and the shared responsibility of the global community during times of crisis.
As the world watches the unfolding catastrophe in Morocco, it serves as a poignant reminder of nature’s unpredictable might. However, in the face of such tragedies, the global community’s swift response and solidarity highlight the inherent human capacity for compassion and resilience. While the scars of this disaster will remain etched in Morocco’s history, the outpouring of international support signifies a beacon of hope and shared commitment to rebuilding and healing.
