Massive Earthquake Strikes Morocco's Atlas Mountains Causing at least 2,000 Casualties

A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, resulting in widespread destruction and the loss of numerous lives. The earthquake struck during the late hours between Friday and Saturday, catching many residents and visitors by surprise. Israel offered help.

As of the latest reports, approximately 2,000 people have lost their lives in the disaster, and over 1,832 individuals have been injured, with 205 in serious condition. Rescue and relief efforts are underway, but the situation remains critical.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively working to contact its citizens in the affected region. So far, they have successfully reached out to 402 Israelis who were staying in Marrakesh, but 56 others remain unaccounted for.

Caroline Holt, a spokesperson for the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, emphasized the urgent need for a massive relief effort. She stated, "The efforts will be complicated, but these are still the first hours. It happened at night when people might be sleeping in bed, so it was only this morning that we started to see the impact of the earthquake developing. The next three days are critical."

The historic city of Marrakesh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has suffered significant damage. Buildings have collapsed, and walls have cracked, leaving streets strewn with debris. Haim, a witness to the disaster, described the scene, saying, "There is panic, and people moved to the street. There was a power outage, and people ran in the dark and fled from the houses."

Despite the devastation, there are tales of resilience. The spire of a mosque in Marrakesh, although damaged, survived the quake and is now covered in dust.

For many, the earthquake struck during routine activities. Ilan, who was at a club with his wife when the earthquake hit, recounted the chaos, saying, "People started running in panic in all directions, and we tried to explain that they should go to an open area. It took a few moments to digest. My wife arrived there with a sprained ankle that I took care of. We want to get out of here and are waiting for rescue, only to return home."

Nahmi Geigis, CEO of the "Eyal" association, revealed that their delegation had arrived in Marrakesh just before the earthquake. "We arrived in Marrakesh on Wednesday, and the earthquake caught us at the end of Friday dinner," he said. "We still cannot return to the guest houses and are awaiting instructions."

The situation has left hundreds of Israelis awaiting rescue, and travel insurance companies have mobilized to provide assistance. Harel Insurance and Finance Group reported receiving over 70 inquiries from policyholders in the Marrakesh area, with no confirmed casualties at this time. Partner and Pelephone companies have also announced benefits for their customers staying in Morocco, including mobile data, call minutes, and text messages.

As the rescue and relief efforts intensify, the world watches with hope for the safe recovery of those affected by this devastating earthquake in Morocco.