The number of people who have died after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake- the strongest recorded in the country in more than 120 years-struck Morocco has now risen to 2,059 people with 1,404 injured, according to state TV in the country.
This is said to be one of Morocco’s most devastating earthquakes in years. In 1960, a 5.8 magnitude tremor struck near the Moroccan city of Agadir, causing thousands of deaths. The Agadir quake was said to have prompted changes in construction rules in Morocco. However, many buildings, especially rural homes, are not built to withstand such tremors.
Also, In 2004, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake near the Mediterranean coastal city of Al Hoceima left more than 600 dead.
Citing the Ministry of Interior, Morocco’s state television reported that the earthquake struck on Saturday morning, damaging buildings in major cities and sending panicked people pouring into the streets.
Woman weeps following the earthquake
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, More than 300,000 people in Marrakech and its outskirts have been affected.
Morocco has also declared three days of national mourning and flags will be flown at half-mast.
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Many of the fatalities are said to be in hard-to-reach areas south of Marrakesh, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimating that the epicentre of the quake occurred in the Atlas mountains, some 75km (44 miles) from Marrakesh, the fourth largest city in the country.
Rescuers in the village of Amizmiz search for survivors
According to the country’s interior ministry, the earthquake killed people in the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant. The ministry also said that the earthquake was felt in neighbouring Algeria and Portugal even as local television stations reported fallen mosque minarets, with rubble lying on smashed cars.
“The Royal Armed Forces, local authorities, security services and civil protection … continue to mobilise and harness all means and capabilities in order to intervene, provide the necessary assistance, and assess the damage, “the ministry was quoted as saying.
Officials are working on clearing roads so ambulances and aid can reach those affected. However, long distances between mountain villages mean it will take time to learn of the full extent of the damage.
According to reports, the earthquake was felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria.
Morocco has not yet asked for help from other countries, a step required before outside rescue crews could deploy. But the United Nations has said it is ready to assist if needed and countries including France, Spain and Turkey and the US have offered help.
Man looks at the what is left of buildings following the earthquake
The UK’s foreign office has received a small number of requests for assistance from Britons in Morocco, Sky News reports. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said that the UK government is “ready to help our Moroccan friends in whatever way we can”.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has commiserated with Moroccans over the devastating earthquake that struck the country over the weekend.
In a statement posted on his X official account on Saturday, the president described the incident as unfortunate while assuring Moroccans that the heartfelt prayers and thoughts of Nigerians were with them at this difficult moment.
Story was adapted from Sky News.
