Tragic Earthquakes Strike Morocco
Photo Credit: Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty Images via CNN
On Sept. 8, a powerful earthquake of a 6.8 magnitude struck western Morocco, approximately 70 kilometers southwest of the city of Marrakesh. This tragic event has left a trail of destruction, and has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread damage to communities in the region.
The quake’s epicenter was located in the High Atlas mountain range, at a depth of 26 kilometers below the surface. This relatively shallow depth amplified the destructive force of the quake, resulting in severe damage to both rural and urban areas. The natural disaster’s impact was felt as far north as Casablanca, but the most severe destruction occurred in small communities nestled in the Atlas Mountains. Villages like Adassil, that are located less than 10 kilometers from the epicenter, experienced the most widespread damage. Reports state that in Tafeghaghte, another community near the epicenter, nearly half of its residents are dead or missing.
The Washington Post reported that scientists have pointed out the quake was not caused by climate change. According to Lucy Jones, a seismologist based in California, the one thing humans do that causes earthquakes is increasing liquid pressure in the earth’s crust. This occurs during fracturing, mining or the construction of large dams.
The disaster prompted a swift response from both local and international organizations. Countries like Spain, Qatar, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates have sent rescue teams to Morocco to help assist the local forces. Other countries are donating money instead of sending personnel, due to the difficulty of coordinating rescue groups. Emergency workers were deployed to affected regions, and attempted to overcome the challenges posed by damaged or blocked roads. However, the remoteness of the villages in the Atlas Mountains, as well as their rugged terrain, meant that the villages were not easily accessible. As a result, continued and co-ordinated efforts were necessary to reach those in need. Rescue operations are ongoing, with survivors hoping for miracles amid the rubble.
While earthquakes of this size are uncommon in the region, they are not unexpected. Historical data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicates that large tectonic disturbances have occurred in Morocco in the past. The last earthquake of such magnitude in the area dates back to 1960. That earthquake claimed over 12,000 lives.
According to Ahmed Hussen, Morocco’s international minister of development, the government of Canada has partnered with the Canadian Red Cross and donated $5 million. On Sept. 9, the Canadian Red Cross launched an appeal to help provide immediate assistance. As rescue operations continue, the international community is standing in solidarity with the affected regions, offering support and assistance to help rebuild and heal from this tragedy.