A powerful magnitude 6.8 earthquake has left over 2,000 people dead in Morocco, leading to numerous residents spending their second night on the streets. Authorities have issued warnings for people to remain vigilant for aftershocks.
Maroccan Residents Spend Second Night on the Streets
Rescue teams are racing against time to evacuate those trapped in the disaster’s aftermath.
Moroccan authorities have reported the current death toll at 2,012, with 1,404 individuals in critical condition. However, the number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to sift through the rubble of collapsed homes in remote areas of the High Atlas Mountains.
In Marrakesh, the largest city near the earthquake’s epicenter and a major tourist attraction, many families spent Saturday night outdoors. Authorities cautioned residents to stay alert for aftershocks.
People steered clear of damaged buildings and the surrounding adobe walls, some of which had crumbled.
In the Taman Oliveraie Park in central Marrakesh, hundreds of people, including children and the elderly, slept on blankets and emergency mattresses. Families huddled together, attempting to rest after the shock and panic of the previous night.
Some brought bags filled with clothing and food, preparing for an extended stay.
Meanwhile, flags throughout the city flew at half-mast to observe the three-day national mourning declared by the monarchy.
At the Marrakesh airport, dozens of tourists slept on the terminal floor, awaiting outbound flights. Incoming and outgoing flights from the tourism hub mostly operated as usual.
The first 72 hours following a natural disaster are deemed the ‘golden hours’ for finding survivors, as the condition of those trapped and injured can deteriorate rapidly thereafter.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has issued instructions to establish a relief service commission, which will provide care, housing, and food for those affected by the earthquake.
The magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck on Friday night represents the deadliest earthquake in Morocco in six decades. According to the US Geological Survey, it is also the strongest earthquake to occur in the vicinity of the ancient city of Marrakesh in the last century.
Conclusion
A devastating earthquake has claimed over 2,000 lives in Morocco, leading numerous residents to spend their second night on the streets. Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities warn of potential aftershocks.
King Mohammed VI has taken steps to provide assistance to those affected, recognizing the urgency of the situation. This earthquake, the deadliest in Morocco in 60 years, serves as a grim reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.