Deadliest Earthquake in 60 Years Strikes Morocco: 820 Dead in Hard-to-Reach Mountains

Morocco recently experienced its deadliest earthquake in over six decades. The powerful earthquake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, struck the High Atlas mountains late Friday night, leaving a trail of destruction.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath, the death toll continues to rise, with at least 820 confirmed fatalities and hundreds more injured.

Powerful Earthquake Hits Morocco

Reuters reports that the earthquake's epicenter was approximately 70 kilometers southwest of Marrakech, the nearest major city.

While the quake's magnitude alone was alarming, its location in the mountainous High Atlas region posed unique challenges for rescue and relief efforts.

Many casualties were reported in these remote and hard-to-reach mountain areas, where access is limited.

Marrakech's Historic City Damaged

Marrakech, renowned for its stunning historic architecture and vibrant culture, bore a significant brunt of the earthquake.

The UNESCO World Heritage site, Marrakech's old city, suffered severe damage. One of its iconic landmarks, a minaret in Jemaa al-Fna Square, crumbled.

Residents of this ancient city were forced to spend the night outdoors, fearful that their historic homes might collapse.

Rising Death Toll

The latest casualty toll from the Interior Ministry paints a grim picture, with 820 lives lost and 672 individuals injured.

To add to the tragedy, most of the wounded had to travel from the mountainous areas outside Marrakech, as local hospitals lacked the capacity to treat severe injuries.

The earthquake's impact extended beyond Moroccan borders, with tremors felt in Andalusia, southern Spain, according to Spanish television RTVE.

Governments worldwide have expressed solidarity and offered assistance, with Turkey, still reeling from its devastating earthquakes earlier in the year, pledging support.

Rescue and Recovery Challenges

Rescue teams in Morocco have been grappling with the enormity of the situation. Damaged and blocked roads have impeded access to the hardest-hit areas, delaying vital aid and rescue operations.

As the nation faces a logistical and humanitarian challenge, international support has poured in from countries like India, Israel, and France.

Strongest Earthquake in 60 years

Reuters tells us that this magnitude 7.2 earthquake is being touted as the strongest to hit Morocco in more than 60 years.

The rarity of such powerful earthquakes in Morocco is underlined, with only nine quakes of magnitude 5 or higher reported since 1900, none surpassing a magnitude of 6.

Jonathan Stewart, a civil and environmental engineering professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, tells CNN that while the Moroccan earthquake was weaker than the devastating 7.8 magnitude quake in Turkey earlier that year, it still unleashed "a tremendous amount of energy," causing substantial damage.

Aftershocks and Uncertainty

Experts are concerned about the possibility of multiple aftershocks, with some predicted to have a magnitude in the "high fives."

This ongoing seismic activity has left residents anxious and authorities on high alert.

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