Rescue operation in Agadir, the 'city of death'
- Duration
- 2 March 1960 - 5 March 1960
- Military personnel
- 1994
- Fatalities
- none
- Decorations
- none
On 29 February 1960, the Moroccan port of Agadir was hit by an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale. Almost 15.000 people lost their lives and about 90% of the city was destroyed.
The once so flourishing tourist city on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean was consigned to the past in one fell swoop. A huge rescue operation swung into action in the days that followed, with French, American and Dutch military personnel in particular being quick to arrive on the scene to provide the aid that was so desperately needed.