Morocco Shaken by Deadliest Quake in Over 100 Years
Morocco has been devastated by a massive 6.8-magnitude earthquake, the worst the nation has experienced in more than a century. The deadly tremor has claimed at least 2,000 lives and injured thousands more, with fears the death toll will climb as rescue operations continue.
Marrakech and Mountain Villages Worst Hit
The quake struck late Friday night near Ighil, about 70 kilometres south of Marrakech. The historic city, famous for its 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, suffered severe damage. Shocking images show panicked crowds near the iconic mosque, which has reportedly been damaged.
Remote mountainous regions bore the brunt of the destruction, with many victims trapped under rubble in hard-to-reach villages. Rescue teams battle blocked roads and fallen debris as they race to save survivors.
King Declares National Mourning, World Offers Support
King Mohammed VI declared three days of mourning and ordered urgent aid for survivors. But rescuers face tough terrain and collapsed infrastructure.
Global leaders quickly voiced condolences and support. UK’s Rishi Sunak, US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the United Nations pledged assistance.
In a rare gesture of unity, Algeria opened its airspace to humanitarian flights, setting aside long-standing tensions to aid Morocco’s relief effort.
Rare Seismic Disaster Exposes Vulnerabilities
Earthquakes are rare in North Africa, making this catastrophe all the more damaging. Many rural homes are not built to withstand such tremors, despite updated building codes following a 1960 disaster in Agadir. Experts warn Morocco remains vulnerable to future quakes.
Rescue crews continue work through the night, digging through wreckage with hammers and axes. The nation faces a long, challenging road to recovery as communities grieve and rebuild.
