The death toll in the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Morocco on the night of September 8 (local time) has crossed 2,000. The largest number of victims were in the Al Houz province of the Marrakesh-Safi region, with approximately 1,300 people.
In addition, the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior stated on 10 September that more than 2,000 people were injured in the disaster, including more than 1,400 seriously. According to Reuters, the death toll is expected to continue to rise.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the epicenter was located 72 km southwest of the city of Marrakesh, the capital of the Marrakesh-Safi region. According to the USGS, it was the worst earthquake to hit Morocco since the 1960 disaster that killed 12,000 people. Meanwhile, according to AP, this is the most powerful earthquake to hit this North African country in 120 years.
Journalists’ Notes reuters The scene revealed that the survivors had gathered and spent the night outside in the High Atlas Mountains. In the village of Amizmiz, near the epicenter, rescue workers searched through the rubble with their bare hands.
Residents of Tansghart village in Asni region sleep on the street after the earthquake disaster on September 8. Photo: Reuters
Meanwhile, almost every house was damaged in the Asni region, about 40 kilometers south of Marrakesh. Tansghart village of Asni was one of the most affected villages. Similar damage was also recorded in the city of Marrakesh, including many homes in a densely populated area.
The WHO estimated that more than 300,000 people in Marrakesh and its suburbs were affected by the earthquake. Many families may still be buried under the debris.
On 9 September, Morocco declared three days of national mourning. The country’s armed forces have deployed rescue teams to provide drinking water, food, tents and blankets to the affected areas. Many people lined up to donate blood to save the injured victims of the earthquake.
A statement by United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that the UN stands ready to support the Moroccan government in any way possible.
Ms Nathalie Fustier, the UN Resident Coordinator in Morocco, said information was still limited because the epicenter was located in a remote, inaccessible mountainous region. Current priorities are search and rescue, blood support and medical care, as well as food.
Several governments have expressed condolences and offered support to Morocco. According to reutersUS President Joe Biden said on September 9 that officials from that country contacted Morocco and offered help immediately after the disaster occurred.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant also called his Moroccan counterpart and expressed his willingness to provide as much assistance as possible. The Israeli military is preparing to provide humanitarian aid in the disaster area.
France, Germany and even Turkey – a country that experienced a major earthquake disaster earlier this year – also offered to support Morocco. Qatar has offered to provide all necessary assistance to the affected area. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said Dubai Police rescue forces have been sent to Morocco. Jordan’s King Abdullah II also offered help.
In particular, Algeria has offered humanitarian aid and opened its airspace to relief or medical flights from Morocco. Earlier, Algeria had closed its airspace after cutting diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021.
Earthquake as powerful as 25 nuclear bombs in Morocco, more than 2000 people died
