A massive earthquake has struck in Morocco, leaving thousands in desperate need of support.
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Morocco’s state media has reported more than 2,000 people dead, with another 1,000 injured and approximately 720 people in critical condition – although these numbers are all expected to grow, as search and rescue efforts expand.
The epicentre of the earthquake was in the High Atlas mountains less than 45 miles from Marrakesh, an ancient city that is home to around 840,000 people. Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by damage to roads and bridges that have cut off many remote mountain towns in the most-impacted areas.
Most of the buildings near the earthquake’s epicentre were not built to withstand this magnitude of shaking and buildings throughout Marrakesh’s densely populated, labyrinthine streets began to crumble immediately, including many of high cultural and historical significance.
The Atlas mountain range can be difficult to traverse in the best of circumstances. Boulder-strewn highways have left entire communities completely isolated.
Image: ©AFP Photo /FADEL SENNA
