A powerful earthquake in Morocco has caused a tragic toll, with over 2,000 people losing their lives and a similar number getting injured. The interior ministry reports that more than 1,400 people have severe injuries, and the worst-hit areas are just south of Marrakesh.
In response to the disaster, King Mohammed VI has declared three days of national mourning and ordered assistance such as shelter, food, and aid for survivors. Many people are spending another night outdoors because their homes are damaged or unsafe.
The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, struck Marrakesh and surrounding towns on Friday night. In remote mountain regions, entire villages have been flattened. The epicenter was in the High Atlas Mountains, about 44 miles southwest of Marrakesh, a popular tourist destination with world heritage status.
The tremors were also felt in other cities like Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, and Essaouira. The highest number of casualties is reported in Al Haouz province, followed by Taroudant province. While there are fewer deaths in Marrakesh, the historic old city, which is protected by Unesco, has suffered significant damage.
Many simple homes made of mud brick, stone, and timber in the mountain villages are believed to have collapsed, but it will take time to assess the full extent of the devastation in remote areas.
This earthquake is unusually strong for Morocco, and flags will be flown at half-mast on public buildings for the next three days, according to the royal palace.
The king has also ordered the armed forces to assist with rescue efforts, and Moroccans are donating blood to help the victims. The United Nations and several countries, including Spain, France, and Israel, have pledged to support Morocco in its rescue efforts.
Despite recent tensions, neighboring Algeria has opened its airspace for humanitarian flights to Morocco to aid in the relief efforts.
Survivors are working tirelessly to rescue their neighbors trapped under rubble in affected areas. The earthquake has taken a heavy toll on families and communities, leaving many people in shock and mourning the loss of loved ones. Mosques and streets in Marrakesh have suffered damage as well.
source: BBC