The historic city of Marrakech as well as towns in the Atlas Mountains were all damaged by a rare, strong earthquake that struck Morocco late on Friday night. According to the Moroccan government, 632 people were killed and 329 were injured as a result of a strong earthquake. As the search is on and rescuers have reached increasingly isolated locations, it is anticipated that the number of casualties will increase.
Morocco Hit By A Strong Earthquake
The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8. It struck around 11:11 p.m. and generated several seconds of shaking.
The National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network of Morocco recorded the earthquake as a 7 on the Richter scale. A magnitude-4.9 aftershock was recorded 19 minutes later, according to the US agency.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), it was the greatest earthquake to strike that region of the country of North Africa in more than a century.
Videos depicting destroyed structures and damaged portions of the renowned red walls that encircle the old city in medieval Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were posted online by Moroccans.
PM Modi Extended His Condolences
In numerous locations, many people spent the night on the streets out of dread of aftershocks as a desperate search for those buried in the wreckage began.
Authorities claimed that the majority of fatalities happened in remote mountainous locations around the epicentre, and Al Aoula reported that rescue crews were having trouble getting to the worst-affected areas because of damaged roads.
Locals were advised by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces to keep a cautious eye out for any more shocks.
World leaders and important people from across the globe extended their condolences with respect to the loss of lives in the Morocco earthquake. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is ready to offer all assistance to Morocco.
We pray for them!
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