A severe earthquake that shook Morocco on Friday night claimed the lives of about 300 people, according to a preliminary government tally. Residents of Marrakesh said they heard “unbearable” screams following the 6.8-magnitude tremor.
The earthquake caused 296 fatalities, according to a preliminary study, in the Moroccan provinces and towns of Al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant.
153 more persons suffered injuries, it said.
Videos released online by citizens showed houses reduced to dust and rubble as well as damaged portions of the iconic red walls that encircle the old city in ancient Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with them, city visitors shared videos of diners being evacuated and people screaming.
A 33-year-old man in Marrakesh called AFP and said, “We felt a pretty severe tremor, and I realized it was an earthquake.
“I could make out moving buildings. We may not always have the reflexes necessary for this kind of circumstance. After that, I went outside and saw a large crowd. Everyone was startled and in a panic. The parents were inconsolable while the kids sobbed.
The telephone network and the power were both out for ten minutes before coming back on. Everyone chose to remain outside,” he continued.
Authorities have “mobilized all necessary resources to intervene and assist the affected areas,” according to the interior ministry.
Marrakesh hospitals apparently experienced a “massive influx” of patients with injuries.
Residents are being urged to donate blood to help the injured, according to the regional blood transfusion center in Marrakech.A family in the village of Al-Haouz, close to the epicenter of the earthquake, was reportedly trapped in the debris when their home collapsed.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake, which struck at 11:11 p.m. (2211 GMT) and caused shaking that lasted several seconds, had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8.
The aftershock, which was claimed to have occurred 19 minutes later and had a magnitude of 4.9 by the US agency, was detected by Morocco’s National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network at 7 on the Richter scale. Although there are always variations in early measures, either reading would represent Morocco’s strongest in years. In North Africa, earthquakes are hardly common. According to AP, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake that occurred close to Agadir in 1960 claimed thousands of lives.
According to international internet watchdog NetBlocks, Marrakesh had internet connectivity issues as a result of power outages.
According to Moroccan media, it was the strongest earthquake to have ever struck the nation. Although the earthquake was also felt in neighboring Algeria, neither damage nor casualties were reported there, according to Algerian Civil Defence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief
India is prepared to provide all possible help to Morocco in this trying time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while expressing sorrow over the lives lost in the earthquake that struck that country. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.”
