Death toll from earthquake in Morocco exceeds 2,000

According to the latest information regarding the magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Morocco, 2,012 people have lost their lives, and the number of injured has risen to 2,059. Meanwhile, a 3-day national mourning period has been declared across the country.

The Moroccan National Institute of Geophysics announced that a magnitude 7 earthquake occurred in the country. The institute stated that the epicenter of the earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 8 kilometers, was the Al-Haouz region of Marrakesh in the north of the country.

MOROCCAN MINISTRY OF INTERIOR PROVIDES UPDATE ON THE SITUATION

In a statement made by the Moroccan Ministry of Interior, it was announced that the number of people who lost their lives in the earthquake, which was felt in many cities across the country, has risen to 2,012, and the number of injured to 2,059. It was reported that 1,404 of the injured are in critical condition. As search and rescue efforts continue, authorities fear the death toll may rise further. It was reported that Marrakesh, Azilal, Agadir, Ouarzazate, and Chichaoua are among the cities where deaths occurred.

3-DAY NATIONAL MOURNING DECLARED ACROSS THE COUNTRY

King Mohammed VI of Morocco decided during a meeting to declare 3 days of national mourning in Morocco and for flags on public buildings to be flown at half-mast.

INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

The King of Morocco gave instructions for the establishment of a ministerial committee tasked with creating an emergency program for the reconstruction of homes destroyed in the earthquake as soon as possible. Furthermore, it was decided at the meeting to take urgent measures to strengthen search and rescue teams, accelerate rescue and evacuation processes, and deliver basic necessities such as drinking water, food, and tents to the regions affected by the earthquake. King Mohammed VI of Morocco also gave instructions to take care of earthquake victims in difficult conditions and to provide emergency aid to those left homeless by the earthquake, ensuring their shelter, nutrition, and all basic needs are met.

CALL FOR CITIZENS TO "STAY CALM"

The statement emphasized that local institutions, security forces, and civil defense teams are mobilizing all their resources to assess the damage caused by the earthquake and deliver necessary aid to those in need, while calling on citizens to remain calm and not to panic.

TEAMS STRUGGLE TO REACH EARTHQUAKE ZONE

Rescue teams in Morocco are working to save those trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings. Meanwhile, it was learned that teams are struggling to reach the earthquake zones due to roads being damaged and blocked following the quake. The Turkish Red Crescent also announced in a post on its social media account that its disaster teams are closely following developments after the earthquake that occurred in the city of Marrakesh, Morocco.

DESTRUCTION IN MANY CITIES

Morocco's Channel 1 Television reported that the earthquake caused damage in many cities. The "Al-Yaoum 24" news site stated that some buildings collapsed in the city of Marrakesh during the earthquake. Footage of people taking to the streets after the earthquake and the moments buildings collapsed were shared on social media platforms.

"I CANNOT SLEEP AT HOME"

Mohamed Ouhammo, a resident of the Asni region located approximately 40 km south of Marrakesh, whose home was almost entirely damaged, said he is experiencing food shortages due to the collapse of kitchen roofs. Montasir Itri, another resident of Asni, stated that search efforts are ongoing to find those missing, saying, "Our neighbors are under the rubble and people are making intense efforts to save them using the resources available in the village." Jaouhari Mohamed also said, "I still cannot sleep at home because of the shock."

HISTORIC WALLS ALSO DAMAGED

It was reported that a portion of Marrakesh's historic walls were also damaged in the earthquake. Local newspapers reported that in Morocco, around 23:10 local time

News Source: 12punto