Central Morocco was hit by a powerful earthquake on Friday evening. More than 800 people were killed in the disaster, according to a provisional toll.
Central Morocco was hit by a powerful earthquake on the night of Friday September 8 to Saturday September 9. The quake hit several major cities, including Marrakech. The Rabat-based National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST) said the earthquake had a magnitude of 7 degrees on the Richter scale and its epicenter was in Al-Haouz province. A difficult-to-access mountainous area dotted with villages and small farms about 70 kilometers southwest of Marrakech. The quake was also felt in the capital, Rabat, located nearly 350 km north of Ighil. According to Moroccan media, this is the most powerful earthquake to hit the kingdom to date.
According to a provisional report, this earthquake led to the death of 820 people in the provinces and communes of Al-Haouz, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant, the ministry said in a press release. According to the same source, 329 people were injured and hospitalized. According to some residents of Marrakech, the nearest large city, buildings and houses have collapsed, particularly in the old town, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
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 “distraught 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 is reminiscent of the terrible earthquake of 1960 which struck Agadir, causing the death of more than 12,000 people. The earthquake had a magnitude of 5.7 on the Richter scale at the time.
