Morocco earthquake kills 600: What we know so far

Image credit: USGS

Morocco was struck by a high-intensity earthquake Friday night which has claimed the lives of at least 632 people, according to the country’s interior ministry.

Epicentre

The earthquake was centred in Morocco’s High Atlas mountains. Morocco’s geophysical centre said the quake struck in the Ighil area of the High Atlas with a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter scale.

The US Geological Survey put the quake’s magnitude at 6.8 and said it was at a relatively shallow depth of 18.5km.

It was Morocco’s deadliest earthquake since 2004. The 2004 quake in the northern Rif mountains had claimed the lives of more than 600 people.

Cities impacted in Morocco earthquake

More than 300 people have been reported injured in thee quake, which local officials say caused the most damage in rural areas. Marrakech is the nearest major city to the epicentre, which has seen extensive damage to historic buildings including a UNESCO world heritage site.

Popular tourism sites such as Rabat, Casablanca too were hit by the impact of the earthquake.

Other towns impacted by the quake are – Essaouira, Imsouane, and Taroudan. Additionally, the quake was also felt in Portugal and Algeria.

The USGS has upgraded its assessment on shake-related casualties from “possible” to “significant casualties are likely.” It said there was a 34 per cent chance that between 100-1,000 people would have perished following Friday’s powerful tremo.r

The US body also ramped up its assessment of economic losses. “Extensive damage is probable and the disaster is likely widespread,” it said.

World leaders offer support and condolences

The UAE’s leaders have extended their condolences to Morocco. UAE President  Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a message of condolence to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, over the victims of the earthquakes that hit the country, wishing a speedy recovery to all the injured.

Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, also dispatched similar messages to King Mohammed VI, reported state news agency WAM.

The United Nations said Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general has expressed his condolence and support to the Moroccan government.

.@antonioguterres expresses his profound sadness at the earthquake in Morocco. The @UN is ready to assist the government of Morocco in its efforts to help the impacted population.https://t.co/UAVuaX2gDf

— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) September 9, 2023

The Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has offered his condolences to relatives of the victims. “All my solidarity and support to the people of Morocco in the wake of this terrible earthquake … Spain is with the victims of this tragedy and its families,” he wrote on Twitter.

Narendra Modi is one of several world leaders to offer their support to Morocco. India’s prime minister’s posted on Twitter, that he was “ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time”.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | PM Modi at the G 20 Summit says “Before we start the proceedings of G20, I want to express my condolences over the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. We pray that all injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible… pic.twitter.com/ZTqcg11cKI

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2023

Germany’s chancellor Olaf Scholz, said his “thoughts are with the victims”.

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