Devastating Earthquake in Morocco Claims 296 Lives.

Devastating Earthquake in Morocco Claims 296 Lives.

Panic and Chaos Grips Marrakesh.

The night turned tragic for Morocco as a powerful earthquake struck, claiming the lives of at least 296 people, leaving the nation in shock. The tremors were felt far and wide, but the epicenter was situated 44 miles southwest of the vibrant city of Marrakesh. The impact was devastating, and the aftermath painted a picture of chaos and despair.

Witnesses Describe Horror and Panic.

Amid the chaos, survivors recounted their harrowing experiences. Abdelhak El Amrani, a 33-year-old resident of Marrakesh, vividly remembered the violent tremor that shook the city. “I could see buildings moving. We don’t necessarily have the reflexes for this type of situation. Then I went outside and there were a lot of people there. People were all in shock and panic. The children were crying, and the parents were distraught.” The power outage and disrupted phone network only added to the confusion.

Injuries Overwhelm Marrakesh Hospitals.

The city’s hospitals were inundated with an overwhelming number of injured individuals seeking medical attention. Reports also emerged from the town of Al-Haouz, near the epicenter, where a family was trapped under the rubble of their collapsed house. The earthquake’s impact extended to coastal cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira, leaving communities in distress.

USGS Alerts to Vulnerable Structures.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) warned that the region’s population lives in structures highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, intensifying concerns about the devastation’s extent. Internet connectivity in Marrakesh was disrupted due to power cuts, compounding the challenges faced by the affected population. Moroccan media reported this earthquake as the most powerful in the country’s history.

Echoes of Past Tragedies.

This disaster serves as a stark reminder of Morocco’s susceptibility to earthquakes. In 2004, Al Hoceima witnessed a devastating quake that claimed 628 lives and left 926 injured. Additionally, the 1980 El Asnam earthquake in neighboring Algeria, with a magnitude of 7.3, caused widespread destruction, leaving 2,500 people dead and 300,000 homeless.

Assessment of Economic Loss and Shaking-Related Fatalities.

The USGS’s PAGER system issued an orange alert for economic losses, indicating that significant damage is likely. A yellow alert for shaking-related fatalities also underscores the possibility of casualties. The road to recovery for Morocco will undoubtedly be long and challenging, as the nation comes to terms with this tragic earthquake’s devastating impact..