Morocco Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 2122

Morocco Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 2122. Image/AFP

Devastating Earthquake Strikes Morocco, Rescuers Scramble to Find Survivors

In a race against time, Morocco is grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake that has claimed the lives of over 2,100 people and left more than 2,400 injured, many of them in critical condition. The 6.8-magnitude earthquake, the country’s most powerful ever recorded, struck 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of the popular tourist destination of Marrakesh. Entire villages nestled in the Atlas mountains were reduced to rubble.

First Foreign Rescuers Arrive

Foreign rescue teams have arrived to assist with the search and rescue efforts. The first foreign responders arrived to provide crucial assistance after the devastating earthquake. The impact of the earthquake was exacerbated by a magnitude 4.5 aftershock on Sunday, causing further distress among the already traumatized population.

Mountainside Village Almost Completely Destroyed

Among the hardest-hit areas is the mountain village of Tafeghaghte, located 60 kilometers from Marrakesh. This village has been nearly entirely wiped out, with only a few structures still standing. The scene is one of devastation, with civilian rescuers and military personnel combing through the debris to locate survivors and retrieve the deceased. Many residents of the area have lost their homes, built primarily from mud bricks.

Loss and Grief Grips the Region

The earthquake has inflicted profound loss and grief on the affected communities. Zahra Benbrik, 62, tragically lost 18 relatives, with only the body of her brother still trapped in the rubble. The heartfelt plea from survivors and their families is for a swift and respectful recovery of the deceased to allow for mourning and closure.

Humanitarian Response and International Aid

The humanitarian response is in full swing, with citizens in Marrakesh rushing to donate blood to aid the injured. Several countries, including Spain and France, have offered assistance, with search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies, and personnel being mobilized. The United States also stands ready to deploy search-and-rescue teams, and Pope Francis expressed solidarity with those affected by the disaster.

Long Road to Recovery

The Red Cross has cautioned that the recovery process will be long and arduous, potentially taking years to repair the extensive damage caused by the earthquake. The earthquake is the deadliest in Morocco since the devastating 1960 earthquake in Agadir, which claimed the lives of over 12,000 people.

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VoM News Desk

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