Earthquake devastates Morocco, death toll crosses 2,000

Rabat: The magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Morocco on the night of September 8 has wreaked havoc in this African country. The death toll continues to rise after this natural calamity. So far more than 2000 people have lost their lives. Even after 48 hours of the earthquake, relief and rescue work is going on. The death toll may rise. Thousands of injured have been hospitalized.

Hundreds of buildings have collapsed, leaving thousands homeless. According to Al Jazeera, 3 days of national mourning have been declared in Morocco. According to a statement from the Moroccan army, King Mohammed VI has directed the armed forces to deploy special search and rescue teams and a surgical field hospital.

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Many historic buildings were damaged in Marrakesh, the city closest to the epicenter of the earthquake that shook Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. But most of the deaths have been reported in Al-Hawz and mountainous areas in the south of Taroudant province. Meanwhile, search and rescue teams are busy clearing debris and clearing roads. The depth of the earthquake was measured at 18.5 km.

Strong tremors were felt from Sidi Ifni in the south to Rabat in the north and beyond. The epicenter was 72 kilometers west of Marrakesh, a major economic hub. Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Department (AFAD) says it has put 265 members of medical, relief, search and rescue agencies on alert in case of an emergency alert from Morocco.

A thousand tents have been allocated to transport Morocco following a request from the authorities in Rabat. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of life and property due to the powerful earthquake in Morocco. He wrote on X, ‘I am deeply saddened by the loss of life due to the earthquake in Morocco. My thoughts are with the people of Morocco at this sad time. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. India is ready to provide all possible help to Morocco in this difficult time.

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Tags: Earthquake, Earthquake news, World news