2023-09-09 04:33:00
Earthquake in Morocco
Morocco, Rabat: People seek shelter after an earthquake and check their cell phones for news.
(Photo: dpa)
Rabat As the United States Geological Survey (USGS) announced, the epicenter of the magnitude 6.8 earthquake was about 72 kilometers southwest of Marrakech in the sparsely populated Atlas Mountains at a depth of 18.5 kilometers. It was initially reported that the epicenter was northeast of Marrakech.
According to the local official, most of the victims occurred in the difficult-to-access mountain region. “Our neighbors are lying under the rubble of their houses and we are trying to save them with the means available,” said Montasir Itri, a resident of the mountain village of Asni, not far from the epicenter. Most of the houses there are damaged.
However, the full extent of the quake, which occurred at 11 p.m. local time, remains unclear. However, at least 296 people died. The Interior Ministry of the northwest African country announced this early Saturday morning.
Residents of the city of Marrakesh report collapsed buildings in the historic old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People are digging in the rubble with their bare hands and waiting for heavy equipment, says resident Id Waaziz Hassan. Another reported ambulances coming from the old town.
Videos circulating on social media showed buildings shaking and people running outside and gathering outdoors. Other videos showed debris on roads and minor damage to buildings. Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the images. The tremors could be felt as far as Rabat, 350 kilometers away.
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