The number of victims of the massive earthquake that shook Morocco on Friday evening rose to 632 deaths this Saturday, according to a new report from the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior.
There are also 329 injured, 51 of whom are in serious condition, the ministry said in a statement cited by Spanish agency EFE.
The ministry stated that 290 people died in Al Haouz province, south of Marrakesh and close to the epicenter, 190 in Taroudant, 89 in Chichaoua, 30 in Ouarzazate, 13 in Marrakesh, 11 in Azilal, five in Agadir, three in Casablanca . and one in Al Youssoufia.
Prayers for Morocco
A powerful M 6.8 earthquake struck Morocco, killing at least 296 people. #Morocco #earthquake #moroccoearthquake #deprem #Morocco #moroc #earthquakes #abhisha #G20India2023 #Dollar course pic.twitter.com/dPSsOCPeDY
– Suhan Raza (@SuhanRaza4) September 9, 2023
The earthquake reached a magnitude of 6.9 on the Richter scale and had its epicenter in the town of Ighil, 63 kilometers southwest of the city of Marrakesh.
The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 18.5 kilometers at 11:11 pm local time (the same time in Lisbon), was felt in Portugal and Spain.
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) stated that this was felt in the municipalities of Castro Marim, Faro, Loulé, Portimão, Vila Real de Santo António (Faro), Cascais, Lisbon, Torres Vedras, Vila Franca de Xira (Lisbon ), Almada, Setúbal and Sines (Setúbal).
It was also felt with less intensity in the municipalities of Coimbra, in Albufeira, Olhão, Silves (Faro), Alenquer, Loures, Mafra, Oeiras, Sintra, Amadora, Odvelas (Lisbon), Santo Tirso, Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto), Santiago of Cacém, Seixal and Sesimbra (Setúbal), added the institute.
According to images reproduced by the media, on social networks and by witnesses, the earthquake caused significant damage in several cities.
Les frères c’est un rappelle d’Allah
It is no longer the case that the earth on the life of our lives puts an end to the dividing line 2 nation for a sable carre
Force au freres marocain may Allah make it easier #Moroc pic.twitter.com/tqQvMNsrGU– Sergio Kramos (@KramosSergio) September 9, 2023
The footage showed part of a minaret falling in the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, the beating heart of Marrakech, injuring two people.
The quake was also felt in Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir and Essaouira and caused panic among the population.
Many people took to the streets in these cities, fearing their homes would collapse, according to images posted on social media.
Photos and videos published by internet users show large pieces of rubble on the streets of Marrakech’s medina and cars crushed by rocks, French agency AFP said.
The regional blood transfusion center in Marrakech called on residents to donate blood for the injured.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, host of the G20 summit taking place in New Delhi this weekend, extended his condolences to the families of the earthquake victims.
A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck a fraction of the center of Maroc, with a maximum of 296 people and a blessing of more than 150 people. Before our freres and soeurs du #Moroc. There is no sorrow for the people #Moroc pic.twitter.com/OGTPfq7MRA
– Quotidien and occupied Palestine (@EnQuotidien) September 9, 2023
Modi wrote on social media that he was “extremely saddened by the loss of lives”.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also sent a message of condolence, referring to the “terrible news from Morocco”.
On February 24, 2004, an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale shook Al Hoceima province, 400 kilometers northeast of Rabat, killing 628 people and causing significant property damage.
On February 29, 1960, an earthquake devastated Agadir, on the country’s west coast, killing more than 12,000 people, i.e. a third of the city’s population.
A terrifying moment of a cave-in captured by a security camera#Moroc #moroccoearthquake #Morocco #earthquakemorocco #earthquake pic.twitter.com/oug42jn7Ae
– Happy Hope (@Lucky_Hope1) September 9, 2023
Source: DN
