Title: Satellite images reveal the extent of the destruction following the earthquake in the Moroccan Atlas
Introduction :
On Friday September 8, an earthquake of rare violence struck the Moroccan Atlas, causing significant material and human damage. Thanks to satellite images from the Pléiades Néo satellite constellation, we can now understand the extent of the destruction and assess the consequences of this natural disaster.
A deadly and devastating earthquake:
The September 8 earthquake in the southwest of Marrakech is considered the deadliest in Morocco since that of Agadir in 1960. Satellite images reveal the devastating impact of this tremor, wiping out certain villages from the map and engulfing entire neighborhoods. The traditional houses of the High Atlas, fragile by nature, have suffered considerable damage, in particular due to their artisanal construction without respecting anti-seismic standards.
Using satellite images to assess damage:
Satellite images provided by Airbus make it possible to quickly assess the damage over large areas affected by the earthquake. This technology plays an essential role in organizing relief and planning reconstruction. Rescue workers face major logistical challenges in accessing remote and difficult-to-access areas. Satellite images provide valuable information for planning helicopter hoisting missions and the delivery of relief supplies.
The villages of the High Atlas particularly affected:
The villages of the Moroccan High Atlas, built of adobe, were particularly vulnerable to seismic tremors. Satellite images show that many buildings have been destroyed, leaving behind a landscape of desolation. The material used, raw earth, did not resist the forces exerted by the earthquake, showing the limits of its resistance to compression and traction.
Conclusion :
Thanks to satellite images, we can now understand the extent of the destruction caused by the earthquake in the Moroccan Atlas. These photos allow emergency services to better organize their interventions and plan reconstruction. It is essential to learn from this disaster and take measures to strengthen the resilience of buildings to seismic risks, in order to prevent such human and material losses in the future.