Morocco has been gripped by a devastating earthquake that struck the kingdom on Saturday night, registering a magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter scale.
As of the latest update from the Moroccan Interior Ministry at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 9, the death toll has risen to 1,037, with 1,204 reported injuries, including 721 serious injuries.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the village of “Ighil” in the Al Haouz region. The disaster has sent shockwaves throughout the country, prompting a massive response from local authorities and international organizations.
Numerous countries and organizations have expressed their condolences to Morocco for the victims of this destructive earthquake.
The disaster has plunged the kingdom into a state of emergency and a nightmarish ordeal as rescue and relief efforts continue.
Reporters from “Al Arabiya” and “Al Hadath” conveyed that villages in the mountainous regions southwest of Marrakech are still isolated and challenging to reach.
Residents of Marrakech, which is among the cities closest to the earthquake’s epicenter, shared that several buildings in the historic city had collapsed, including parts of the ancient city wall listed under UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Local television broadcasted heart-wrenching images of a historical mosque’s minaret toppled over, with debris spread across wrecked vehicles.
Earlier on Saturday morning, the ministry had initially reported that the quake resulted in 296 deaths across various provinces and districts, including Al-Haouz, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant.
The statement further noted that “153 individuals sustained injuries and were transferred to hospitals.”
The official statement identified the earthquake’s core at “Ighil” in the Al-Haouz region, south of Morocco, emphasizing that all resources and means are being mobilized for rescue and relief operations.
This disaster reminds us of the ever-present need for preparedness and swift response mechanisms. Our thoughts are with the people of Morocco during these trying times.
