RABAT: New toll suggests that around 632 people were killed in Friday’s Morocco earthquake.
In a harrowing turn of events, Morocco was jolted awake by a powerful earthquake that struck late Friday night, causing widespread devastation and leaving hundreds of people dead.
The earthquake’s impact reached from remote villages nestled in the Atlas Mountains to the vibrant historic city of Marrakech, shaking the very foundation of the region.
The Moroccan Interior Ministry wasted no time in releasing a grim assessment on Saturday morning, confirming the loss of at least 296 lives in the provinces near the epicenter. The toll is expected to rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Additionally, nearly 330 people were reported injured, with 51 in critical condition, prompting immediate hospitalization. It’s important to note that most of the damage occurred in rural areas, outside densely populated cities and towns.
In the wake of this catastrophic event, Moroccan television broadcasts were filled with heart-wrenching scenes capturing the aftermath. Fearful of potential aftershocks, many citizens opted to remain outdoors, their faces etched with anxiety. Families could be seen standing in streets, some clutching their children tightly, while others wrapped themselves in blankets, holding onto their precious belongings for dear life.
Emergency responders, showing immense bravery and dedication, navigated through treacherous terrain, navigating heaps of stones and the remnants of crumbled walls to reach those in need. The sheer scale of destruction was evident as a car lay almost buried beneath the rubble of a collapsed building. Baskets, buckets, and items of clothing lay scattered amidst the debris, silent reminders of lives irrevocably altered.
In the immediate aftermath of the quake, social media platforms were flooded with images and videos capturing the chaos and despair that gripped the affected areas. One striking image showed terrified individuals fleeing near the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, one of the city’s most cherished landmarks. Reports suggested that the mosque had suffered damage, although the extent remained unclear. The iconic 69-meter (226-foot) minaret, often referred to as the “roof of Marrakech,” stood as a symbol of the earthquake’s power.
Moreover, videos posted by Moroccans on various platforms documented the heartbreaking sight of parts of the famous red walls that encircle the old city of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reduced to ruins. These walls, steeped in history and culture, had withstood the test of time until this devastating earthquake shook their very foundations.
