watan- In the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that jolted Morocco on September 8, 2023, the tale of Tanzeret emerges as a somber narrative of loss and resilience. Situated near the quake’s epicenter, this once-bustling village has now been reduced to silence, its very existence threatened.
Tanzeret bore the brunt of the earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7. By September 11, the village mourned the loss of approximately 2,862 of its residents, with another 2,562 nursing their wounds. As the nation reels from the shock, search and rescue teams are in a desperate race against time, navigating challenging terrains and blocked pathways to reach survivors.
تنزيرت .. قرية معزولة دمرها الزلزال ومسحها من الخريطة #الكويت #المغرب #زلزال_المغرب #وزارة_الإعلام_الأخبار https://t.co/PUwzEvblzV pic.twitter.com/LIC0F7gUOW
— NEWS KTV (@newsktv) September 11, 2023
The quake’s magnitude, as cited by the US Geological Survey, was 6.8, wreaking havoc especially in regions like Al Haouz, Chichaoua, and Taroudant, and leaving its mark on Marrakech. Adding to the nation’s woes, another tremor, measuring 4.5, was felt on September 10, its epicenter 77 kilometers southwest of Marrakech.
Yet, amidst these seismic activities, the story of Tanzeret stands out, painting a picture of a community grappling with unprecedented challenges. Its geographical isolation, compounded by the earthquake-induced landslides, has made relief efforts a Herculean task. The village, with its narrow pathways and towering mountains, was already a challenge to access. Post-quake, it’s a maze of rubble and despair.
For the locals, the ordeal is beyond words. In a place where even basic amenities were hard to come by, the earthquake has amplified their struggles manifold. Reports suggest that Tanzeret, as it was known, might never be the same again, its legacy reduced to memories and tales of a time gone by.
In response, the Moroccan government has been swift in its actions, mobilizing all available resources. The army, too, has stepped in, focusing its efforts in areas like Amizmiz, near Marrakech, to expedite the rescue and relief operations.