| 09 September 2023
In a devastating turn of events, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale rocked central Morocco late on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction and tragedy in its wake. According to Morocco's Interior Ministry, at least 820 people have lost their lives, and dozens have sustained injuries as a result of the seismic event.
The earthquake, which struck at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT), sent shockwaves through the central regions of Morocco, causing widespread devastation primarily in areas outside major cities and towns. The scale of the damage is still being assessed by authorities as they struggle to come to grips with the enormity of the disaster.
Discrepancies in magnitude readings have been reported, with the U.S. Geological Survey initially registering the quake at 6.8 on the Richter scale, while Morocco's National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network recorded it as a 7. A magnitude-4.9 aftershock rattled the region just 19 minutes after the initial earthquake.
Though earthquakes are relatively rare in North Africa, this event stands as one of Morocco's strongest in years. The last major quake in the region occurred in 1960 when a magnitude 5.8 tremor struck near Agadir, resulting in thousands of fatalities.
The epicenter of this latest earthquake was located high in the Atlas Mountains, approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) south of Marrakech. It was also near Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, and Oukaimeden, a popular Moroccan ski resort. The depth of the epicenter has been reported differently, with the USGS indicating it was 18 kilometers (11 miles) beneath the Earth's surface, while Morocco's seismic agency suggests it was 8 kilometers (5 miles) deep.
As of early Saturday, neither Moroccan officials nor MAP, Morocco's official news agency, had released detailed information about the extent of casualties or damages. Government officials often use MAP to disseminate crucial information regarding significant events.
The impact of the earthquake was felt far beyond Morocco's borders, with reports of tremors being experienced in Portugal and Algeria, according to respective agencies monitoring seismic activity. Social media has been inundated with videos depicting the aftermath of the disaster, including buildings collapsing and streets covered in rubble.
Brahim Himmi, a resident of Marrakesh, described the chaotic scene in the city, where ambulances rushed through the old town, and numerous building facades suffered damage. Frightened residents congregated outside, fearing the possibility of further seismic activity.
As Morocco grapples with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, the nation and the international community are left in mourning for the lives lost and the profound impact on the affected communities. Authorities will now focus on relief efforts, assessing damage, and providing support to those affected by this tragic event.
Comments