What should have been a weekend of celebrations in Marrakesh turned into a harrowing ordeal when a 6.7 magnitude quake struck, leaving a city shaken and a group of Valencians reeling from fear and relief. Among them, Esther Labaig, the Tourism General Manager, was confirmed safe after the tremor disrupted plans and cast a long shadow over the holiday mood. The incident, though frightening, underscored the fragility of moments meant for joy and the resilience that follows when communities face danger together.
Notary, painter, teacher, and former Valencia CF manager Ximo Serrano were among the Valencians who felt the quake in real time. They were part of a wedding gathering that swiftly shifted from celebration to crisis. The sense of unreality was immediate. In the midst of a garden dinner, the ground jolted with a force that left guests grasping for solid footing. Voices rose in disbelief as the room began to sway, plates and glasses rattling with alarming persistence. The panic that followed pushed people toward quick decisions, the kind born from seconds of warning that feel like lifetimes. The reflex was to move away from danger, to seek an open space where the risk of falling debris would be minimized. Yet even the open air offered peril here, as nearby structures and a towering feature nearby created a dual sense of safety and threat. There was a palpable fear that a nearby tower might collapse, turning a moment of relief into one of imminent danger.
The hotel area was left in ruins by the aftershocks, with debris and cracks marking every surface. Survivors recount the feeling of being corralled into smaller, safer zones within makeshift shelters. It resembled a temporary encampment more than a hotel corridor, a stark reminder that in disasters the human instinct to protect each other overrides comfort and luxury. The scenes were stark and sobering, yet a thread of shared humanity bound the guests together. They expressed sorrow for those who bore the brunt of the disaster, noting the kindness they encountered and the collective wish to ease the suffering of strangers. In the midst of fear and disruption, there was also a sense of solidarity that can emerge only when communities confront danger side by side.
As plans were reassessed in real time, Valencia’s delegation considered the logistics of a timely return. The group weighed the prospect of an earlier departure against the realities inside Marrakesh and the uncertainty surrounding travel options. The decision to maintain the original return schedule was grounded in prudence and concern for safety, with careful consideration given to airport conditions and the availability of resources for a safe journey home. This cautious stance reflected a broader commitment to the wellbeing of everyone involved while acknowledging the emotional impact of the experience. The travelers returned with stories of resilience, gratitude for safety, and a renewed appreciation for the everyday comforts that many take for granted.
[Citation: Local reporting on the Marrakesh earthquake and the Valencia delegation’s experience, attributed to verified observers and officials with on-site updates]