A devastating earthquake has struck Morocco, causing widespread destruction and a rising toll of casualties. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to find survivors amidst the rubble, while villagers in the hardest-hit regions are grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
The magnitude-6.8 earthquake, which occurred on a Friday night, left villages in ruins, trapping people and triggering panic. Several aftershocks have followed, further adding to the region’s distress.
As of Sunday, the death toll had reached at least 2,122, with the majority of casualties reported in Marrakech and surrounding provinces. Search and rescue teams, accompanied by trained dogs, are painstakingly combing through debris in a race against time.
The earthquake’s impact was felt once more on Sunday when a magnitude 3.9 aftershock rattled the region. For survivors, there is little time for grief as they salvage what remains of their homes and possessions.
One survivor, Khadija Fairouje, tearfully recounted the loss of her daughter and three grandsons when their home collapsed while they slept. “Nothing’s left. Everything fell,” she said, echoing the sentiments of many affected families.
Amidst the wreckage, help has been slow to arrive in places like Amizmiz, where a significant portion of the town is seemingly missing. Roads blocked by fallen rocks have made access to remote, hard-hit communities extremely challenging.
Flags have been lowered across Morocco, with King Mohammed VI declaring three days of national mourning. The army has mobilized search and rescue teams, while essential supplies like water, food, and shelter are being rushed to those who have lost their homes.
The devastation is most pronounced in rural areas, where the rocky terrain and obstructed roads hinder relief efforts. The response remains insufficient for many affected residents.
Throughout the country, citizens are rallying to support their fellow Moroccans. Donations of blood, a precious resource in times of crisis, have poured in as people unite in their duty to assist those in need.
Rescuers, backed by military and police forces, continue to sift through the debris, hoping to find survivors. Bulldozers and equipment are deployed to clear roads and facilitate access to isolated villages.
The tragedy has left parents grieving for their lost children, with many sharing their heart-wrenching stories. Ambulances transport the wounded to hospitals, where medical teams are working tirelessly to provide care to those injured in the disaster.
This earthquake, with its shallow depth and destructive power, has left an indelible mark on Morocco. While it ranks as the strongest earthquake in over a century, the country has experienced even deadlier quakes in its history.
Efforts are now concentrated on providing relief to affected communities and ensuring the safety of those still at risk. Morocco faces a long and challenging road to recovery, but the resilience of its people shines brightly in the face of adversity.
