The Most Powerful Quake in 120 Years Hits Morocco, Leaving Over 820 Dead and Counting
A devastating earthquake struck Morocco on Friday night, resulting in the loss of countless lives and causing widespread destruction. With a magnitude of 6.8, this earthquake is the most powerful to hit the country in 120 years. Rescuers are tirelessly working amidst the rubble in various provinces, attempting to save lives and alleviate the devastation.
The Atlas Mountain range, which spans across five provinces, bore the brunt of the earthquake’s impact, with the historic city of Marrakech suffering extensive damage. As Morocco’s popular tourist capital, this ancient city was not constructed to withstand such catastrophic events, leading experts to fear that the death toll may rise into the thousands.
Buildings in regions where earthquakes are uncommon often lack the necessary structural integrity to endure strong ground shaking. As a result, numerous buildings have collapsed, contributing to the high casualty count. Bill McGuire, a professor emeritus of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London, explained, The problem is that where destructive earthquakes are rare, buildings are simply not constructed robustly enough to cope with strong ground shaking, so many collapses resulting in high casualties.
Even the esteemed Koutoubia Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage site, suffered damage during the earthquake. However, the extent of the destruction remains uncertain at this time. Morocco’s interior minister reported that in addition to the 820 confirmed deaths, 627 people have been injured, with 205 individuals sustaining serious injuries.
As recovery efforts continue, the focus is on providing aid, support, and medical assistance to those affected by this tragic event. International assistance is likely to be crucial in the coming days as Morocco grapples with the aftermath of the most powerful earthquake it has witnessed in over a century.
