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Last week, a 6.8 earthquake hit Morocco which was a rare occurrence. Its epicentre was located in the High Atlas mountain range. It is known that this earthquake is the deadliest earthquake to have hit the country in more than 60 years. As of today, more than 2,800 people fell victim to it losing their lives while 2,500 are injured.
The earthquake most severely damaged villages and towns near the base of the Atlas Mountains. However, it also ripped through the centre and suburbs of Marrakech.
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How strong was the Earthquake?
Speaking of its intensity, the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.8, meaning it was “strong.” Morocco has suffered earthquakes in the past but very few of them have been so powerful.
As per the data, this earthquake was the deadline ever since 1960, when the earthquake killed more than 12,000 people.
As per the US Geological Survey, earthquakes of this intensity are very rare.
Where is the worst damage?
As per recent data, more than 1,500 people have died in the province of Al Haouz, where the quake was most severe. This region like many others has been badly affected. Locations like the south of Morocco situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountain include remote villages and settlements that have still been difficult for rescuers to reach.
Several eyewitnesses have stated that houses in the foothills of the mountains are already destroyed and houses in the area of village Asni are too damaged.
What is happening right now?
Currently, emergency workers across the country have been deployed in the affected regions and are working diligently to save people from blocked roads, debris and those stuck under the rubble. Some village roads have become very hard to access.
Reports suggest that since not many rescuers are facing difficulty in reaching, there are many people who have to spend two nights under the rubble.
How is the World Helping?
Red Cross workers have stated that recovery from this situation may take years. On the other hand, people are burying their near and dear ones. Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has ordered a three-day mourning for this situation. He further asked for a commission to be set up to distribute aid to survivors.
In order to work on this situation, popular leaders from across the world are sending in their prayers and have pledged support.
Here’s how the world is handling this situation:
US
Joe Biden in a statement expressed grief for this situation and said that he is “deeply saddened” by the quake and that his administration is in contact with Moroccan officials.
India
Modi opened the G20 Summit with heartfelt condolences to everyone who was affected by the earthquake.
Leaders from all over the world such as Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed their deepest condolences.
FAQs
The epicentre was high in the Atlas Mountains which is 70 kilometres south of Marrakech in Al Haouz province.
As of today, more than 2,800 people lost their lives and more than 2,500 people are injured.
No, this isn’t the first earthquake. However, this has been the deadliest earthquake in the last 60 years.
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