After a strong earthquake shook Morocco in North Africa on Friday night, more than 2,000 people have died. There have been countless injuries.
The epicentre of the earthquake, which occurred not far from Marrakech, a well-known tourist destination and major commercial hub, was the strongest to strike the country’s center in more than a century.
The Earthquake has left at least 2,122 persons dead and 2,421 injured.
When and where did the Earthquake hit?
Around 11.11 p.m. local time, the earthquake occurred. The High Atlas mountain range, which is around 72 kilometers (44.7 miles) southwest of the 840,000-person city of Marrakech, is where its epicenter was found.
However, as this map demonstrates, its effects were felt as far north as Casablanca.
How strong was the Earthquake?
With a magnitude of 6.8, the earthquake is considered to be “strong.” It was more devastating because it also hit at a shallower depth.
According to the US Geological Survey, earthquakes of this scale are unusual in the area but not unheard of. It stated that since 1900, nine earthquakes of magnitude five or higher have occurred nearby, although none of them have reached magnitude six.
Since an earthquake that killed more than 12,000 people in Morocco in 1960, this earthquake is the country’s deadliest.
Where is the worst damage?
The WHO estimates that more than 300,000 individuals in Marrakech and its environs have been impacted. Historic sites have suffered damage, although the regions closest to the Atlas Mountains have been the most severely affected.
Almost all of the dwellings in a section of the village of Asni were damaged, according to eyewitnesses on the foothills of the Alps, who reported seeing some communities completely devastated.
In the Al Haouz province, more than 1,000 people have died, while more than 400 people have died in Taroudant, a city in southwest Morocco.
Emergency Response
Emergency workers were deployed to affected regions, despite some roads being damaged or blocked by debris. Some remote villages on the foothills of the mountain have been hard to access.
Mohammed, 50, from the town of Ouirgane, lost four family members in the quake. “I managed to get out safely with my two children but lost the rest. My house is gone.” he said.
Rescue operations are still ongoing. “We are out in the streets with authorities as they try to pull the dead from the rubble. Many many people were transported to hospital in front of me. We are hoping for miracles from the rubble” he said.
French authorities have triggered emergency funding from local government finances to assist with relief efforts in earthquake-affected areas.
According to Spain’s military ministry, a Spanish search and rescue team consisting of 56 troops and four dogs arrived in Marrakech to aid in the disaster’s aftermath.
Tens of thousands of people were murdered by a horrific earthquake that struck Turkey earlier this year. Turkey announced that it was prepared to support aid efforts in Morocco by sending 265 troops and 1,000 tents.
The British government announced the deployment of 60 search and rescue personnel, four search dogs, rescue tools, and a medical assessment team to Morocco.
Algeria announced that it would restore its airspace to flights carrying humanitarian relief and medical supplies to and from the Arab country after cutting off diplomatic relations with Morocco in 2021 and banning all aircraft with Moroccan registration from using its airspace.
The World Bank has said it has promised the nation its “full support,” while the United Nations and US President Joe Biden have also stated that they are prepared to offer assistance.
Numerous other international leaders have extended their sympathies, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present at the G20.
According to Sunday’s report by state-run broadcaster al-Aoula, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI praised Spain, Qatar, Britain, and the United Arab Emirates for sending relief following the earthquake.
