A powerful earthquake struck Morocco’s Atlas Mountains region late on Friday, killing at least 2,012 people and injuring more than 2,059.
The magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck at about 11:11pm (22:11 GMT) at a depth of nearly 26km (16 miles), according to the US Geological Survey. The epicenter was located in Al Haouz province in the High Atlas of the mountains, about 75km (44 miles) from Marrakesh, Morocco’s fourth largest city.
The earthquake was the deadliest to hit Morocco in more than 60 years. The previous strongest earthquake in Morocco was a magnitude 5.8 quake in 1960 that killed 12,000 people.
The earthquake caused widespread damage in Al Haouz province, as well as in Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant provinces. Many buildings were collapsed, and there are reports of people trapped under the rubble.
The Moroccan government has dispatched emergency crews to the affected areas, and is providing food, water, and shelter to the survivors.
The earthquake has also caused damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and power lines. The Moroccan government has said that it will need international assistance to rebuild the affected areas.
The earthquake is a reminder of the seismic risk that Morocco faces. The country is located on a fault line between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, and is prone to earthquakes.
The Moroccan government has taken steps to mitigate the risk of earthquakes, such as building earthquake-resistant buildings and developing early warning systems. However, the latest earthquake shows that Morocco is still vulnerable to these natural disasters.
The international community has expressed its condolences to the people of Morocco and has pledged to provide assistance. The United Nations has said that it is ready to provide humanitarian aid, and the European Union has offered to send search and rescue teams.
The earthquake is a tragedy for the people of Morocco, but it is also an opportunity for the international community to come together and help those in need.
