Morocco Earthquake Death Toll, Magnitude And Survival
Morocco Earthquake Time and Location: The earthquake occurred at approximately 11:11 p.m. local time (6:11 p.m. ET) on Friday, with its epicenter situated in the High Atlas mountain range, approximately 72 kilometers (44.7 miles) southwest of Marrakech, a city inhabited by around 840,000 people.
Its effects reverberated across a broad region, reaching as far north as Casablanca. However, the most extensive damage was concentrated in towns and villages situated near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, while the quake also inflicted significant destruction in the central area and suburbs of Marrakech.
Morocco Earthquake Death Toll
Morocco experienced its most powerful earthquake in a century, resulting in the tragic loss of 2,122 lives and causing injuries to 2,421 individuals. According to the United Nations, the earthquake has affected a minimum of 300,000 people in the North African country. Rescue efforts are currently in progress as the formidable earthquake demolished buildings throughout the country. In an official statement, the interior ministry emphasized the importance of coordinated response efforts, stating, “The Moroccan authorities have conducted a thorough assessment of the on-site requirements, recognizing that a lack of coordination in such situations could prove detrimental.”
In previous updates from the Moroccan Ministry of Interior, it was noted that the casualties were distributed among nine regions, with Al-Houz reporting 694 fatalities, Taroudant with 347, Chichaoua with 191, Ouarzazate with 39, Marrakech with 14, and Azilal with 11.
Morocco Earthquake Magnitude
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake initially registered a magnitude of 6.8, occurring precisely at 11:11 p.m. on Friday. The tremors persisted for several seconds. Morocco’s National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network recorded it as a 7 on the Richter scale. The US agency also reported a magnitude-4.9 aftershock approximately 19 minutes later. The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the highlands of the Atlas Mountains, situated roughly 70 kilometers to the south of Marrakech, which serves as Morocco’s economic center. Notably, it was in proximity to Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, and Oukaimeden, a popular Moroccan ski resort.
The earthquake magnitude, is categorized as ‘strong.’ Its shallow depth amplified its impact, making it more destructive. This event marks Morocco’s deadliest earthquake since 1960, when a devastating quake struck the town of Agadir, claiming around 12,000 lives and causing extensive damage. Agadir has since been rebuilt. The tremors from this recent earthquake were felt in distant locations, including coastal cities such as the capital Rabat, Casablanca, Essaouira, and Agadir. Additionally, neighboring countries Portugal and Algeria experienced tremors from the quake.
Survivors of Earthquake
Survivors of Morocco’s earthquake are currently grappling with a dire struggle for essential supplies, such as food, water, and shelter, marking the most challenging situation in over six decades. Numerous individuals endured three nights exposed to the elements, given the formidable task faced by relief workers in accessing the hardest-hit villages nestled within the remote and rugged High Atlas mountains, where many homes now lie in ruins.
Government Authorities Support
Ongoing rescue operations involve the combined efforts of Moroccan authorities and international teams dedicated to locating survivors. In Hanoi, Vietnam, during a news conference, President Biden conveyed, “We are prepared to offer any necessary assistance to the Moroccan people,” as reported by Reuters. The global community has extended its support, as nations including Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, and France have dispatched rescue teams.
The UK Foreign Office has not issued any travel advisories for Morocco. Regarding the earthquake, it recommended that travelers should stay informed through local media and adhere to safety guidelines provided by local authorities. President Mahmoud Abbas has directed Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh to send rescue, relief, and civil defense teams to Morocco, extending all available assistance to those affected by the catastrophic earthquake that impacted multiple regions in the fraternal country.
Furthermore, President Abbas conveyed his sincere condolences to the Moroccan people and their leadership, underscoring the Palestinian people’s unity and support for their Moroccan counterparts during this challenging period.