Morocco Earthquake: 296 Killed.
By Caroline Ameh
A devastating earthquake struck, Friday night in Morocco, wreaking havoc across the North African country. The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, jolted the land at 11:11 pm GMT, leaving behind a trail of destruction that extended far beyond the trembling earth.
The sad occurrence claimed the lives of over 296 civilians, according to the Morocco Ministry of Interior. The majority of the victims were residents of Marrakech and five nearby provinces that felt the quake’s full force. An additional 153 individuals were rushed to hospitals with various injuries, a grim reminder of the disaster’s toll on human lives.
The city worst hit by this natural disasters is Ighil in Al Haouz Province, approximately 70 kilometers south of Marrakech.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter lay 18 kilometers below the Earth’s surface.
The aftermath of the earthquake was nothing short of nightmarish, as horrifying scenes unfolded on Moroccan television. Many people sought refuge outside, fearing relentless aftershocks. Videos depicted a gaping hole in a once-sturdy home, a car almost buried beneath the debris of a collapsed building, and scattered possessions strewn amidst the ruins.
The 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, a revered landmark in Marrakech, was not spared from the quake’s wrath. Although the extent of the damage remained unclear, reports indicated that the mosque had suffered losses. The famous red walls enveloping Marrakech’s old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, also bore scars from the disaster.
In response to the catastrophe, a U.N. spokesperson conveyed the organization’s readiness to assist the Moroccan government in its efforts to aid the affected population. It was a stark reminder of the resilience and unity required in the face of natural disasters that can leave communities shattered but also bring them together in solidarity.
