Morocco Earthquake Strikes High Atlas Mountains Hundred's of People Died

Introduction

A powerful earthquake originating in Morocco's High Atlas mountains has caused widespread devastation and loss of life. The Moroccan government reported that hundreds of people lost their lives as buildings collapsed, and citizens fled their homes in fear. This tragic event has left a deep impact on the affected regions, including Marrakech, a city near the epicenter, which saw significant damage to its historic old city. In this article, we will explore the details of the earthquake, its effects on various areas, and the response efforts.

The Earthquake's Impact

Residents of Marrakech, which is the closest major city to the epicenter, reported witnessing the collapse of several buildings in the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Local television broadcasts displayed images of a fallen mosque minaret, with rubble scattered around crushed cars in the aftermath of the quake. The earthquake struck with great force at precisely 11:11 pm on a Friday night.

The Moroccan interior ministry released grim statistics early on Saturday, confirming that at least 296 people lost their lives in the provinces near the earthquake's epicenter. Additionally, 153 individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment. It is important to note that most of the damage occurred in rural and mountainous areas that were challenging to access.

One local official emphasized that the majority of the casualties occurred in remote mountainous regions. The violent shaking lasted for approximately 20 seconds, causing doors to swing open and shut on their own. Hamid Afkir, a teacher living in a mountainous area west of the epicenter, described the terrifying experience and noted the occurrence of aftershocks.

Details About the Earthquake

Morocco's geophysical center determined that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.2 and originated in the Ighil area of the High Atlas mountains. Meanwhile, the US Geological Survey reported a slightly lower magnitude of 6.8 and stated that the earthquake had occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 18.5 kilometers (11.5 miles). Ighil, a mountainous region characterized by small farming villages, is situated approximately 70 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of Marrakech. The earthquake struck shortly after 11 pm, catching residents by surprise.

In Marrakech, where the tightly packed old city was severely affected, many houses had collapsed. Residents worked tirelessly by hand to clear the debris, awaiting the arrival of heavy equipment. Footage from the medieval city wall revealed extensive cracks in some sections, with parts of it having collapsed onto the streets. Brahim Himmi, another resident of Marrakech, reported seeing damaged building facades and ambulances navigating the old town. Frightened citizens opted to stay outside, fearing the possibility of additional quakes.

The earthquake's impact extended beyond Marrakech. Residents in Rabat, located approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles) north of Ighil, and in the coastal town of Imsouane, about 180 kilometers to the west, also fled their homes out of fear of stronger tremors. In Essaouira, 200 kilometers west of Marrakech, people gathered in public squares and cafes, choosing to sleep outdoors due to the ongoing risk. Reports indicated that some building facades had crumbled.

Amid the chaos, videos circulated on social media, showing the collapse of at least one building and debris scattered throughout the streets. Other videos captured people evacuating shopping centers, restaurants, and apartment buildings, seeking safety outdoors.

Vulnerability to Earthquakes

The US Geological Survey warned that the region's population lives in structures highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking. This vulnerability magnified the impact of the earthquake and contributed to the destruction witnessed in various areas. Additionally, the earthquake disrupted internet connectivity in Marrakech due to regional power cuts, as reported by the global internet monitoring organization NetBlocks.

Historical Context

Morocco is no stranger to earthquakes, particularly in its northern region, as it is situated between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. In 2004, a devastating earthquake struck al-Hoceima in northeastern Morocco, resulting in the loss of at least 628 lives and leaving 926 people injured. In 1980, the region experienced the El Asnam earthquake in neighboring Algeria, measuring 7.3 on the magnitude scale. This catastrophic event claimed the lives of 2,500 people and left over 300,000 individuals homeless.

Conclusion

The earthquake in Morocco's High Atlas mountains has left a profound impact on the affected regions, with significant loss of life and extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. The response efforts of local authorities, emergency services, and the international community are crucial in providing relief and assistance to the affected population. As Morocco continues to grapple with the aftermath of this disaster, the importance of earthquake preparedness and resilient infrastructure becomes increasingly evident in mitigating future risks.