Posted BY: Kara | NwoReport
In a tragic turn, Morocco was struck by a rare and powerful earthquake that left a trail of destruction in its wake. This devastating quake, magnitude 6.8, was the most significant to hit the country in 120 years, catching residents off guard and causing widespread devastation.
The earthquake’s epicenter was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, approximately 70 kilometers south of Marrakech. It triggered a panic as people rushed out of their homes in fear. Buildings in mountainous villages and ancient cities were ill-prepared to withstand such a force, leading to their collapse. The High Atlas region, known for its steep and winding terrain, bore the brunt of the destruction, with homes crumbling and streets filled with grief-stricken families.
Remote villages, already struggling with electricity and cellphone service outages, were cut off from the world. The aftermath left many residents mourning their neighbors and contemplating an uncertain future as rebuilding proved daunting, especially for those lacking the financial means.
Trending: Corporate Dominance Grows: Ranchers’ Autonomy in Food Supply Wanes
Historic Marrakech, known for its architectural treasures, also suffered damage. The iconic Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century, sustained harm, and parts of the famous red walls surrounding the old city were affected.
Tragically, the earthquake claimed the lives of over 2,000 people, primarily in Marrakech and surrounding provinces. Thousands more were injured, with many in critical condition. The disaster’s scale prompted King Mohammed VI to mobilize specialized search and rescue teams and deploy a surgical field hospital.
While offers of international aid poured in, the Moroccan government had not formally requested assistance, leaving rescue crews waiting to deploy. The earthquake’s shallowness, caused by the collision of tectonic plates, contributed to its devastating impact in a region where such events are infrequent.
Morocco now observes three days of national mourning, with condolences and offers of assistance from around the world. Despite longstanding disputes with Morocco, neighboring Algeria even offered to open its airspace to facilitate humanitarian aid.
This catastrophic earthquake serves as a sad reminder of the need for improved construction standards in regions vulnerable to seismic activity and the importance of disaster preparedness.
