Morocco was recently shaken by a powerful earthquake in the Atlas region, causing massive destruction and resulting in many human losses. Satellite images captured by the civil satellites of the Airbus Pléiades Néo constellation make it possible to assess the extent of the damage and to become aware of the scale of the disaster.
Some towns were completely devastated, while entire neighborhoods were submerged, trapping residents trapped by the earthquake. The traditional houses of the High Atlas, often built by the inhabitants themselves without the help of an architect, proved particularly fragile in the face of the power of the earthquake. With extensions carried out over the years, these constructions did not meet anti-seismic standards, especially since the region had not experienced a major earthquake for a long time.
Satellite images provide a precise view of damage over large areas, making it easier to organize relief and plan reconstruction. The maximum resolution of these images can reach up to 30 centimeters, allowing detailed information on the condition of buildings and infrastructure to be obtained.
However, emergency response in remote and difficult-to-access areas remains a major logistical challenge. The injured were evacuated by helicopter in some cases, as mountain roads were often impassable. In villages like Amizmiz, located at an altitude of more than 1,000 meters and heavily affected by the earthquake, the situation is even more complicated.
It is also important to emphasize that villages in the High Atlas, where adobe construction is common, were particularly impacted by the earthquake. The rammed earth, a mixture of compacted raw earth, did not resist the tensile forces exerted during the shaking. The mechanical performance of this construction technique is poor, which has contributed to the collapse of many buildings.
Faced with this catastrophe, it is crucial to put in place preventive measures to minimize the risks linked to earthquakes. Raising residents’ awareness of the importance of anti-seismic standards in the construction of their homes is essential. Additionally, investments in advanced seismic monitoring technologies can detect underground movements and anticipate earthquakes, providing better protection to populations.
In conclusion, satellite images provide a clear and precise vision of the damage caused by the earthquake in the Moroccan Atlas. However, it is essential to learn lessons from this disaster to improve earthquake prevention and building construction to guarantee the safety of populations in regions at risk of earthquakes.