Morocco Earthquake: Late on Friday, an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck central Morocco, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 296 lives and leaving dozens with injuries. The Moroccan Interior Ministry reported early on Saturday that the casualties were primarily concentrated in the provinces surrounding the earthquake’s epicentre.
Severe earthquake strikes Morocco
Furthermore, 153 people who sustained injuries were promptly transported to hospitals for medical attention. The ministry noted that the majority of the damage occurred in rural areas rather than urban centres. The initial assessment from the U.S. Geological Survey recorded the earthquake as having a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, striking at 11:11 p.m. (2211 GMT), causing prolonged shaking.
However, Morocco’s National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network registered it as a 7 on the Richter scale. Additionally, the U.S. agency reported an aftershock with a magnitude of 4.9 occurring 19 minutes later. The epicenter of the earthquake that occurred on Friday was located in the highlands of the Atlas Mountains, approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) to the south of Marrakech.
Notably, it was in close proximity to Toubkal, which is the highest peak in North Africa, as well as Oukaimeden, a well-known ski resort in Morocco. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre was situated 18 kilometres (11 miles) beneath the Earth’s surface, while Morocco’s seismic agency reported it to be at a depth of 8 kilometres (5 miles).
PM Modi tweets on Morocco Earthquake
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences and expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of lives caused by the earthquake. Taking to X, he 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.”
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