An earthquake of 7.2 magnitude struck the African country Morocco on Friday night. So far 296 people have died in this. However, the US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake's magnitude was 6.8. This is the most powerful earthquake in this area in 120 years.
According to reports, the death of 632 people has been confirmed so far in the provinces and municipalities of Al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant, Morocco's interior ministry said in a statement. Besides, hundreds of people have been injured. Rescue operationms are in full swing.
The epicenter of the earthquake is said to be a village named Ighil near the Atlas Mountains, which is at a distance of 70 km from the city of Marrakesh. The depth of the earthquake was 18.5 kilometers below the ground. The tremors were felt as far as Portugal and Algeria.
many buildings had collapsed du
According to media reports many buildings had collapsed due to the earthquake. Many earthquake-related videos are becoming increasingly viral on social media, in which people are seen running.
The earthquake reduced buildings to debris and dust. Parts of the red walls that attract tourists' attention in historic Marrakesh, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were also damaged. According to the US Geological Survey, earthquakes are quite rare in North Africa. Earlier in 1960, an earthquake of 5.8 magnitude had occurred near Agadir. Then thousands of people died.
'I could see buildings moving'
Abdelhak El Amrani, a 33-year-old resident of Marrakesh, told media by telephone that he felt a very violent tremor, and he realised it was an earthquake.
"I could see buildings moving. We don't necessarily have the reflexes for this type of situation. Then I went outside and there were a lot of people there. People were all in shock and panic. The children were crying and the parents were distraught," Amrani said.
"The power went out for 10 minutes, and so did the (telephone) network, but then it came back on. Everyone decided to stay outside," he added.
Fayssal Badour, another Marrakesh resident, told media he was driving when the earthquake hit.
"I stopped and realised what a disaster it was. It was very serious, as if a river had burst its banks. The screaming and crying was unbearable," he said.
Hospitals in Marrakesh reportedly saw a massive influx of injured people.
In the town of Al-Haouz, near the epicentre of the quake, a family was trapped in the rubble after their house collapsed, local media reported.
The earthquake was also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira.
"There's not too much damage, more panic. We heard screams at the time of the tremor," a resident of Essaouira, 200 kilometres west of Marrakesh, told AFP.
"People are in the squares, in the cafes, preferring to sleep outside. Pieces of facades have fallen."
PM Modi expresses deep grief
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco.
Modi also said that India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.
In a X post, the Prime Minister said;
“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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