- A magnitude 7.2 earthquake near Marrakech, Morocco, has claimed over 632 lives and injured 329, a significant increase from the initial report of 296 casualties by the interior ministry.
- The earthquake struck late on a Friday, initially registering as a 6.8 magnitude quake, with its epicenter in the High Atlas mountains’ Ighil area, followed by a 4.9-magnitude aftershock, causing substantial damage in Marrakech’s historic old city and remote mountainous regions.
At least 632 individuals have tragically lost their lives, and 329 have sustained injuries in Morocco following a seismic event of magnitude 7.2 that occurred in close proximity to the historic city of Marrakech, as reported by state-controlled broadcasting. This grim toll represents a stark increase from the initial count of 296 casualties reported earlier today by the interior ministry.
The earthquake struck late in the evening on Friday, commencing at precisely 11:11 PM local time, initially registering a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale. The trembling endured for several seconds, but Morocco’s National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network later confirmed the quake’s true magnitude at 7.2.
Pictured: Efforts are underway to locate survivors amidst the debris (Reuters)
The epicentre of this seismic disturbance was pinpointed in the Ighil region of the formidable High Atlas mountains, as indicated by the agency overseeing seismic activities. Just 19 minutes after the initial quake, a 4.9-magnitude aftershock was recorded by the US Geological Survey.
Pictured:A woman stands before her home in Marrakech, which has been affected by the damage (Getty Images)
The majority of the fatalities have been concentrated in remote and challenging-to-access mountainous regions, as previously disclosed by the interior ministry. Distressing videos have emerged, depicting numerous structures reduced to rubble, and iconic segments of Marrakech’s famed red walls have sustained damage. Within the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, disheartening images have surfaced, showcasing the aftermath with shattered vehicles and debris strewn about.
May we keep our Moroccan brothers and sisters in our duas and extend a helping hand in any way possible to alleviate their suffering.
