A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 in magnitude has impacted central Morocco, resulting in a tragic death toll of at least 1,037 and numerous injuries.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the High Atlas Mountains, situated 71 kilometers (44 miles) southwest of Marrakesh, with a depth of 18.5 kilometers, as reported by the US Geological Survey.
This seismic event occurred at 23:11 local time (22:11 GMT) on Friday, September 8, and was followed by a 4.9 magnitude aftershock just 19 minutes later, according to information from BBC news.
Strong tremors from the quake were felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira.
Morocco’s interior ministry issued a statement confirming casualties in Marrakesh and surrounding areas, particularly in remote regions.
The earthquake claimed lives in various provinces and municipalities, including al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant, while over 1,200 persons have been reported injured.
Reports have also emerged of families trapped beneath the debris of their homes in the city, along with structural damage to sections of the Medina.
This is the most powerful quake to ever hit the country, and one expert called it the region’s “biggest in more than 120 years”.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace!
Watch a video from the scene below,
[videopress dQcoBtez]
