A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Morocco, claiming the lives of over 2,000 individuals and leaving thousands injured. This powerful tremor epicentered in the High Atlas mountain range, approximately 72 kilometers southwest of Marrakech.
The impact has been severe, resulting in widespread destruction of buildings and critical infrastructure. Among the hardest-hit areas is the city of Ijjoukak, where numerous structures now lie in ruins.
Search and rescue operations persist as responders endeavor to reach survivors and evaluate the full scope of the catastrophe. The Moroccan government has declared a three-day period of mourning for those lost in the tragedy.
This event serves as a stark reminder of Morocco’s susceptibility to seismic activity, owing to its location within the Mediterranean seismic belt, a region prone to earthquakes.
While Morocco has taken measures to construct earthquake-resistant buildings, this recent disaster underscores the necessity for additional investments in earthquake preparedness.
The global community has rallied to support Morocco during this difficult time. The United Nations has extended offers of aid in search and rescue operations, medical care, and provision of shelter.
