Marrakech, Morocco – A powerful earthquake hit Morocco on October 5, 2024, leaving widespread devastation across the country. Measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale, the earthquake struck in the early hours of the morning, with its epicenter located near the Atlas Mountains, about 40 miles southwest of Marrakech.
The death toll has been reported in the thousands, with over 3,000 confirmed dead and more than 5,000 others injured. The most affected areas are the historic city of Marrakech, as well as rural villages in the Atlas Mountains, where buildings and infrastructure were particularly vulnerable to the quake. Many of the affected areas were difficult to reach due to the rugged terrain, complicating rescue efforts.
Moroccan King Mohammed VI addressed the nation following the disaster, expressing his condolences to the families of victims and pledging the government’s full commitment to emergency response and recovery. “We stand united in the face of this tragedy,” said King Mohammed VI in a televised address. He also announced a national day of mourning and declared a state of emergency in the hardest-hit regions.
International aid has been pouring into Morocco from countries around the world, including France, Spain, and the United States. The European Union has also mobilized emergency teams to assist with search-and-rescue operations. The United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination team has been deployed to assist local authorities in managing the crisis.
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, who was also on the ground coordinating relief efforts, called on international partners for additional support. “We are doing everything we can to assist the affected population, but the scale of this disaster requires the help of the international community,” Akhannouch said in a statement.
Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to locate survivors, with many trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Hospitals in Marrakech and nearby towns have been overwhelmed with casualties, and medical personnel are working around the clock to treat the injured. Authorities are focusing on providing emergency supplies, including food, water, and medicine, while efforts to stabilize the region continue.
The earthquake has caused significant damage to cultural heritage sites, including parts of the iconic Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech. The city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has sustained extensive structural damage, and numerous historic buildings have collapsed or been severely damaged.
As Morocco begins its long road to recovery, experts warn that the rebuilding process will be a monumental task, given the widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity, and experts are calling for increased preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of future natural disasters.
