The earthquake that struck the Moroccan High Atlas region last Friday left communities shaken and anxious about what comes next. In the days since, relief efforts have translated into a cautious resilience. By now, around thirty units of aid have reached affected towns, but many places still report low population density and ongoing needs. A ground tremor of magnitude 5.6 was felt again last night in the same corridor, reinforcing the sense of vulnerability in a landscape already stretched by disaster. In one town, a house that had already suffered serious damage collapsed further, heightening fear among residents. A local resident named Abdu described the moment calmly, saying that the event was noticed but not catastrophic. Another person, Mohamed, who traveled from a village about 50 kilometers away, joined the two who are sheltering in tents distributed by the state. They both recalled panicking as aftershocks continued to roll through the area.
So far, the death toll has reached 2,862 and the number of injured people has climbed to 2,562. There are still missing persons, and rescuers have not given up on their search. Emergency teams continue to comb through rubble in hopes of locating survivors, though the chances of additional rescues decrease as time passes. Assistance has extended to most exposed zones, yet some isolated communities, such as Tagadirte and nearby towns, remain harder to reach. Improvised sleeping areas have become common as nights grow colder. Roads across the region are crowded with private vehicles, humanitarian convoys, and local associations delivering food and essential supplies to shelters and camps established to protect residents from the advancing cold.
Non-governmental organizations and charity groups have begun field operations to assess needs firsthand and to plan longer-term humanitarian support. The immediate priority is to stabilize living conditions and to ensure access to safe shelter, water, and food. National authorities have reported that access to the area is improving, with road crews clearing routes and reopening vital arteries. The situation in the disaster zone is being monitored closely, and ongoing coordination between national agencies and local authorities aims to address requests raised by affected towns and residents. While efforts to rehabilitate infrastructure are underway, rural routes continue to be prioritized to facilitate humanitarian deliveries and to reconnect communities cut off from main commerce.
Fear of child exploitation becomes a troubling side effect of relief operations. Some people have approached the disaster zone hoping to take advantage of the chaos, including ideas of arranging sham marriages or pressuring vulnerable girls. Such actions raise alarms about sexual violence and trafficking, and the national commission tasked with preventing human trafficking has issued warnings about potential abuses. Local authorities have reported incidents where individuals attempted to exploit the situation by coercing minors. One case involved a person from the city of Errachidia who shared threatening messages on social media about visiting the damaged area to harass girls, leading to an arrest by police authorities. The public is urged to report suspicious behavior promptly to protect communities during this fragile period.
Another major concern centers on the tourism sector in Marrakesh and surrounding areas. The earthquake has sparked worries about tourism demand, with operators noting a dip in inquiries even as some travelers remain undecided about plans to visit. A tour company representative expressed regret that negative impressions might linger, saying many clients are uncertain about whether to travel given recent news. In nearby markets, vendors like t-shirt sellers in major squares report softer crowds and tighter margins. One individual observed that a reduction in visitors has also impacted the livelihoods of people who rely on cross-cultural exchange and street commerce. During a high-profile visit to Marrakesh, national leaders were seen engaging with hospital patients and the broader community, highlighting ongoing recovery efforts and the resilience of residents. A Gambian immigrant who had been living in the city reported an injury and spoke about emergency care received, underscoring the broader human impact of the disaster and the ongoing medical response.
Across the region, relief workers emphasize that the next weeks will be crucial for reconstructing homes, restoring basic services, and reviving economic activity. Local families are adapting to temporary housing, while authorities coordinate to ensure that healthcare, sanitation, and food distribution continue without interruption. The concerted effort by government agencies, international partners, and local volunteers demonstrates a shared commitment to rebuilding and supporting those affected by the quake. The path ahead includes not only urgent rescue and relief but also long-term planning to strengthen housing, roads, and community facilities against future seismic events. In the meantime, the most affected residents remain vigilant, hoping for stability as the season grows colder and the need for sustained assistance continues to grow.