Morocco: The Moroccan interior ministry said that a strong earthquake of magnitude 6.8 has struck central Morocco. It reportedly caused the deaths of 632 people.
The epicentre was located in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) southwest of Marrakesh, at a depth of 18.5km, as reported by the US Geological Survey. The earthquake occurred at 23:11 local time, followed by a 4.9 aftershock just 19 minutes later. The ministry reported casualties in Marrakesh and various southern areas.
“According to a provisional report, the earthquake killed 296 people in the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant,” the statement said, adding that 153 people were injured and hospitalised.
632 people have died in a earthquake in Morocco. This is the strongest earthquake in the country in 123 years.
The 6.8 magnitude natural disaster was felt as far as Spain and Portugal. pic.twitter.com/GDMEjROwU7
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) September 9, 2023
Most of the casualties and damage occurred near the epicentre of the quake in provincial areas, as per the statement.
Furthermore, there are reports of families stuck beneath the debris of their houses, and sections of Marrakesh’s Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have also suffered damage. Local hospitals have experienced an increase in the number of injured individuals.
Unverified video clips on X depict damaged buildings, shaking structures, and streets covered in debris. People can be seen running in panic, while others navigate through dusty conditions.
6.8 magnitude Earthquake in Morocco prayers ?#Moroccopic.twitter.com/SLFYqlwM8g
— Mohammad Jamlish Roy (@jamlishsays) September 9, 2023
The earthquake’s epicentre was in a remote part of the High Atlas Mountains and was relatively shallow. Reports indicate that tremors were felt in the capital Rabat, located 350km away, as well as in Casablanca and Essaouira
Basic structures in the mountain villages close to the epicentre may not have withstood the impact, and due to their remote location, it might take a while to assess casualties in those areas.
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