Race Against Time: Rescue Efforts Intensify in Al Haouz

Marrakech – In the wake of the devastating earthquake that hit Morocco this past Friday, the Al Haouz region, rescue and relief teams have been working tirelessly for nearly 24 hours to locate and rescue survivors trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed structures in the rural commune of Adassil, situated in Chichaoua province, Morocco’s state media has reported.

Despite facing challenging conditions, such as rugged terrain and road blockages caused by landslides resulting from the earthquake, a joint effort by the Royal Armed Forces, in coordination with the Civil Protection, the Royal Gendarmerie, the Auxiliary Forces, and local authorities, is underway.

Their primary goal is to clear paths and rescue those affected in this mountainous area, which was one of the hardest-hit regions during the earthquake that struck several Moroccan provinces late on Friday.

Military vehicles, laden with bulldozers and logistical equipment, have converged on this region to enhance road accessibility and facilitate the passage of ambulances and aid vehicles intended for the disaster-stricken inhabitants.

In Douar Tikht, which was severely impacted by the earthquake, numerous wounded individuals have been rescued and transported to the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center (CHU) in Marrakech for essential medical attention, according to Omar Ahnouch, a resident of this village in the Adassil commune.

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives during this earthquake, Ahnouch revealed that several houses in Douar Tikht, with a population of approximately 800, suffered extensive damage.

Abdelhaq Afdil, a resident of the neighboring Douar “Majdid,” disclosed that his village has also been profoundly affected by this natural disaster. Afdil extended his gratitude to local authorities and various rescue teams who have been tirelessly working to aid the victims of this tragic event.

As of the latest official report from the Ministry of the Interior, as of Monday, the earthquake has resulted in 2,122 fatalities and 2,421 injuries, including 1,404 individuals in critical condition. The earthquake, which measured 7 on the Richter scale, struck several provinces and prefectures across Morocco on Friday night.

Public authorities continue to be fully engaged in rescue operations, evacuating affected individuals, and providing essential care to the injured. A comprehensive mobilization of all necessary resources is ongoing to address the far-reaching consequences of this heartbreaking tragedy.