Scenes from Morocco after devastating earthquake
International rescue teams arrive to try to help recovery efforts following Friday’s disaster
The 6.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Morocco on Friday night has claimed the lives of more than 2,100 people, the country’s interior ministry has said, and injured a further 2,421. Authorities warn that the death toll is expected to rise as rescue and recovery efforts enter the fourth day.
There are “scenes of destruction and despair” in the villages across the Atlas Mountains, the epicentre of the earthquake, said CNN. The “remote” region has suffered badly, with “homes made from mud bricks crumbling onto residents” and boulders obstructing the roads used by rescue teams. Some villages have been “entirely wiped out”, said The Guardian.
“At least two dozen aftershocks have rattled the region” over the weekend, said Al Jazeera, and people slept outside for fear of being harmed by further tremors or damage to their homes. “Rescuers are racing against time” to find survivors trapped in the rubble, said CNN.
The shock at what has happened is partly due to Morocco being “not really the place where such powerful earthquakes occur”, said the BBC.
On Saturday, King Mohammed VI announced that the North African country would observe three days of national mourning.
Specialist rescue teams and foreign aid are heading to Morocco to assist in the recovery effort, said The Guardian. “We are looking at many months if not years of response”, said Hossam Elsharkawi, the Red Cross’s Middle East and North Africa director.








Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Julia O'Driscoll is the engagement editor. She covers UK and world news, as well as writing lifestyle and travel features. She regularly appears on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast, and hosted The Week's short-form documentary podcast, “The Overview”. Julia was previously the content and social media editor at sustainability consultancy Eco-Age, where she interviewed prominent voices in sustainable fashion and climate movements. She has a master's in liberal arts from Bristol University, and spent a year studying at Charles University in Prague.
-
What does 'conquering' Gaza mean to Israel?
Today's Big Question Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet has approved a plan to displace much of the Palestinian population while seizing and occupying the territory on a long-term basis.
-
Casey Means: the controversial 'wellness influencer' nominated for surgeon general
In the Spotlight Means has drawn controversy for her closeness to RFK Jr.
-
Trump taps Fox News' Pirro for DC attorney post
speed read The president has named Fox News host Jeanine Pirro to be the top federal prosecutor for Washington, replacing acting US Attorney Ed Martin
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designation
The Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
-
Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across Syria
THE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations
-
'Like a sound from hell': Serbia and sonic weapons
The Explainer Half a million people sign petition alleging Serbian police used an illegal 'sound cannon' to disrupt anti-government protests
-
The arrest of the Philippines' former president leaves the country's drug war in disarray
In the Spotlight Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the ICC earlier this month
-
Ukrainian election: who could replace Zelenskyy?
The Explainer Donald Trump's 'dictator' jibe raises pressure on Ukraine to the polls while the country is under martial law
-
Why Serbian protesters set off smoke bombs in parliament
THE EXPLAINER Ongoing anti-corruption protests erupted into full view this week as Serbian protesters threw the country's legislature into chaos
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical