Morocco Earthquake: Marrakech Recovers as Remote Villages Struggle

In remote villages like Ouirgane, Azgour and Amghras, the population is still in a state of shock. Yet national solidarity does not waver. Neighborhood associations, mosque groups and even celebrities have mobilized to deliver essential aid, from fresh bread to portable phone batteries, reports The Times.

Until Wednesday, it was mainly the armed forces that were on the ground, carrying out rescue work. But today, the excavation equipment and sniffer dogs have left the sites, reducing the hopes of finding missing persons alive. In the meantime, Morocco’s tourism industry is threatened by a wave of cancellations, particularly in Marrakech where hotels are recording cancellation rates of up to 70% for some.

The phenomenon is partly fueled by a mistaken perception, perpetuated by some media, that all of Morocco is affected by the disaster. The reality is more nuanced. The affected areas are often far from traditional tourist circuits. Furthermore, cities like Agadir, Casablanca and Essaouira remain largely spared the effects of the earthquake.

As for the infrastructure of Marrakech, the situation is not as bleak as one might think. A large number of the damages are concentrated in the medina, particularly the Mellah. The authorities have required that certain riads and restaurants remain closed until further notice, but commercial activity is already beginning to resume its normal course.

As for the mountainous regions of the High Atlas, the consequences are much more serious. The start of the trekking season has been canceled, hotels have been severely damaged, and the risk of landslides has increased. Tour operators are modifying their itineraries, avoiding the affected areas.

Finally, despite the considerable challenges facing the country, support from the tourism sector remains crucial for the country. Tourism employees, such as waiters, guides and drivers, are heavily dependent on these revenues, especially in these difficult times. As rescue efforts continue, Moroccans are showing remarkable resilience in the face of this disaster, concludes the same source.