Lagatar24 Desk
Marrakesh, Sept 9: Strong earthquake tremors were felt in the African country Morocco late at night. According to the National Seismic Monitoring and Warning Network, the intensity of the earthquake was 6.8 on the Richter scale. The epicentre of the earthquake is said to be 71 kilometres away from Marrakesh city of Morocco. Many buildings have collapsed due to this severe earthquake. At least 632 people have died due to being buried under its debris. Whereas 329 injured have been admitted to the hospital. There is a possibility of many people still being buried under the debris. The death toll may increase further. The rescue team reached the spot and started relief work.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the tragedy. He wrote on X, “Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.”
Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2023
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the initial intensity of the earthquake, which occurred at 11:11 pm, was 6.8. After this, earthquake tremors continued for several seconds. 19 minutes after the massive earthquake, the American agency again reported an earthquake of 4.9 magnitude. The USGS said the epicentre of the earthquake was at the top of the Atlas Mountains, about 70 kilometres south of Marrakesh. It was 18 kilometres deep from the earth’s surface. This is the most intense earthquake ever to hit Morocco. According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere and Algeria’s Civil Protection Agency, the earthquake was felt as far as Portugal and Algeria.
Earthquakes occur relatively rarely in this North African country. But in 1960 there was an earthquake of 5.8 magnitude near Agadir due to which thousands of people died. But this earthquake of 6.8 magnitude has caused devastation in Morocco. The scene of devastation can be seen in the video shared by Moroccans. It can be seen in the video that buildings have collapsed and turned into debris. Dust is visible all around. Parts of the famous red walls surrounding Morocco’s historic city of Marrakesh have been damaged. Marrakesh is included in the list of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Sites.
