The earthquake that struck central Morocco on Friday has not yet delivered its final results. The milestone of 2000 deaths was crossed this Saturday evening…
Central Morocco was hit by a powerful earthquake on the night of Friday September 8 to Saturday September 9. The earthquake hit several major cities, including Marrakech. The National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), based in Rabat, indicated that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7 degrees on the Richter scale and that its epicenter was located in the province of Al-Haouz . A difficult-to-access mountainous area dotted with villages and small farms about 70 kilometers southwest of Marrakech.
The earthquake was also felt in the capital, Rabat, located nearly 350 km north of Ighil. According to Moroccan media, this is the strongest earthquake to hit the kingdom to date. According to some residents of Marrakech, buildings and houses have completely collapsed, particularly in the old town, a UNESCO world heritage site.
A very heavy toll
According to a provisional report updated on Saturday evening, this earthquake caused the death of 2,012 people in the provinces and communes of Al-Haouz, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant. A Frenchman is among the victims. There are also more than 1,800 injured people recorded, including more than 1,200 in critical condition according to this still provisional report. The previous report showed 1,300 dead and 1,200 injured.
The epicenter being in a mountainous rural area, with damaged roads and destroyed bridges, emergency services had difficulty responding to the scene. Difficult conditions to which is added the threat of a large-scale aftershock, possible in the coming hours and days.
Macron promises aid from France
Morocco declared a three-day national mourning on Saturday following the violent earthquake. Many countries have presented their condolences to the bereaved families and offered their assistance to Morocco.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday he was “upset after the terrible earthquake in Morocco” and offered France’s help. “We are all upset after the terrible earthquake in Morocco. France stands ready to help with first aid,” he said during his flight to the G20 in New Delhi. This earthquake recalls the terrible earthquake of 1960 which struck Agadir, causing the death of more than 12,000 people. The earthquake then had a magnitude of 5.7 on the Richter scale.
