Comparison of Damage in Morocco Before and After the Devastating Earthquake

New satellite imagery has been released showing the extensive damage caused by Friday's earthquake in rural communities in Morocco. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the High Atlas Mountains, approximately 71km (44 miles) from Marrakesh, and many of the severely affected areas are remote villages and towns. Aerial photographs of Tafeghaghte village taken after the earthquake reveal that nearly all the buildings in the area have been completely demolished, with only a few structures remaining standing. Tafeghaghte, which is around 60km (37 miles) from Marrakesh and accessible only by a narrow, dusty track, had a population of approximately 200 people, and over 90 deaths have been confirmed, with many more individuals still missing. Some families have tragically lost up to seven members. In the days following the earthquake, local residents expressed frustration that aid had been slow to arrive, with only food and water being provided by civilian volunteers. Many people had been forced to sleep outdoors for three consecutive nights. Amizmiz, a small town located 3.3km (2 miles) northwest of Tafeghaghte, also suffered significant devastation, with satellite images showing that nearly half of the buildings in the area appear to have completely collapsed. One resident, Noureddine Bo Ikerouane, stated that they were in need of tents, as they had only been given blankets. Another resident, a carpenter, expressed fear that his home would collapse due to cracks caused by the earthquake. He, along with his wife, mother-in-law, and two sons, were sheltering in a makeshift tent made from blankets. Malika Ouabella, another resident, shared that they had lost everything - money, furniture, and belongings - and were left with nothing. Emergency teams from Spain, Britain, and Qatar were already assisting search efforts in Morocco, but other countries like Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany claimed that their offers of help had not yet been accepted by the Moroccan government. Concerns are mounting that time is running out to rescue any survivors, as the traditional mud brick houses in these mountain villages tend to crumble into fine rubble, leaving little chance of creating life-saving air pockets. Currently, the death toll in the town has exceeded 150 individuals.