In the wake of a devastating Marrakesh earthquake that struck the historic Jewish quarter in the heart of the city, survivors are sharing their harrowing experiences.

Hafida Sahraouia, amidst the debris of her home reduced to rubble, likened the aftermath to the aftermath of a bomb blast. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, occurred overnight, centered southwest of Marrakesh, claiming the lives of hundreds.

Marrakesh earthquake survivors Statements

Sahraouia, 50, described the moment of the quake, saying, “We were preparing dinner when we heard something like explosions. Panicked, I quickly went outside with my children. Unfortunately, our house collapsed.” She and her family sought refuge in a large public square on the outskirts of the district, facing an uncertain future. “We lost everything,” she lamented.

Her neighbor, Mbarka El Ghabar, also witnessed her home being destroyed by this historic Marrakesh earthquake. The Marrakesh medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a major tourist attraction contributing significantly to Morocco’s economy.

Ghabar recounted the traumatic events, saying, “We were asleep when the quake hit. Part of the roof fell, and we found ourselves trapped inside, but my husband and I managed to escape.”

For some, the losses were even more tragic. Fatiha Aboualchouak revealed that her four-year-old nephew was among the over 800 casualties reported officially. Overwhelmed by grief, she could only muster a frail voice, saying, “I don’t have the strength to talk.”

Official data from the Interior Ministry listed at least 13 quake-related fatalities in Marrakesh, a city known for its picturesque red buildings against the backdrop of palm trees and snow-capped mountains.

Jemaa el-Fna square, often referred to as the “beating heart of Marrakesh,” became a refuge for numerous residents and tourists seeking safety in the aftermath of the disaster after Marrakesh earthquake. Some slept on the open ground without any shelter.

Ghannou Najem, in her 80s, shared her experience, having just arrived in Marrakesh from Casablanca hours before the earthquake. She was alone in her hotel room when the quake struck. She recalled, “I was nearly asleep when I heard the doors and the shutters banging. I went outside in a panic. I thought I was going to die alone.”

Rabab Raeess, 26, wrapped in a quilt, described the earthquake as “the most traumatic experience” of her life. She witnessed people fleeing from all directions amidst the dust and debris from collapsed buildings.

For Mohamed survivor of Marrakesh earthquake, escaping the fate of victims was seen as fortunate given the “very poor infrastructure” in the area. He mentioned the loss of a neighbor and the injuries sustained by a young girl and her brother as they endured this tragic event.

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