MUSCAT: When a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Morocco in September 2023, chaos swept through affected areas as residents fled their homes in fear. The seismic event, among the strongest to hit the country in a century, caused widespread destruction, damaging thousands of buildings and leaving many families displaced. Amid the panic and devastation, a striking image captured global attention: a shirtless man running from his home while clutching his PlayStation 5.
The photo quickly went viral, drawing reactions across social media for its unusual display of priorities during a life-threatening situation. While many focused on saving themselves and their loved ones, the man’s attachment to his gaming console resonated with online audiences, sparking humor, astonishment, and debate about modern attachments to technology.
Beyond the viral moment, the earthquake inflicted serious humanitarian impacts. Numerous structures collapsed, forcing emergency services to conduct extensive rescue operations. Thousands were left without shelter, and relief efforts were mobilized both locally and internationally to provide food, water, and medical aid to the affected populations.
The incident highlighted both the human element of disaster and the cultural fascination with viral phenomena. While the image of the man with his PlayStation offered a lighthearted distraction amid tragedy, it also underscored the personal losses faced by countless Moroccans and the broader challenge of recovery in the quake’s aftermath.
