A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck a location 56 kilometers west of Oukaïmedene, Morocco, resulting in the deaths of more than 600 people. According to information provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) the epicenter of this catastrophic event was situated 72 kilometers west of Marrakesh, a prominent economic hub in the region.
As per the statistics released by the Interior Ministry on Saturday, the earthquake claimed the lives of 632 individuals, with a majority of the fatalities occurring in Al-Haouz and Taroudant provinces. The ministry’s data also indicated casualties in several other regions, including Ouarzazate, Chichaoua, Azilal, and Youssoufia provinces, as well as in major urban centers such as Marrakesh, Agadir, and the Casablanca metropolitan area.
Footage and images circulating on social media depicted immense heaps of debris and swirling clouds of dust, a stark testament to the overwhelming force of the earthquake that caused walls to crumble. In additional posts, anxious residents were captured in the act of evacuating into the streets and vacating nearby structures in their quest for refuge and safety.
The authorities have “mobilised all the necessary resources to intervene and help the affected areas”. Hospitals in Marrakesh reportedly saw a “massive influx” of injured people. Sections of the iconic red ramparts encircling Marrakech’s historic city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, have sustained damage.
The seismic tremors reverberated across long distances, with accounts substantiating that the earthquake’s impact extended to remote regions, including Portugal, as affirmed by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere. Likewise, Algeria, with its emergency response operations overseen by the Civil Defence agency, also reported experiencing the effects of the earthquake.
PM Modi Expresses Condolences Over Loss of Lives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences and offered support to Morocco following the earthquake. He expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives and stated, “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.” PM Modi made these remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the G20 Summit in Delhi.
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