-So far the Interior Ministry has issued a “red alert” for economic losses, saying extensive damage is probable and the disaster is likely widespread.
John Cassim
Harare, Zimbabwe (CZ) – 820 people have died and 672 more have been injured, following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that shook Morocco in the early hours of Saturday, September 9, officials have revealed.
According to the reports by Moroccan media, strong tremors were felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira.
More than half of the casualties were recorded in Al-Haouz and Taroudant provinces while more deaths were recorded in Ouarzazate, Chichaoua, Azilal and Youssoufia provinces, as well as in Marrakesh, Agadir, and the Casablanca area.
The interior ministry said authorities have mobilized all the necessary resources to intervene and help the affected areas.
So far the Interior Ministry has issued a “red alert” for economic losses, saying extensive damage is probable and the disaster is likely widespread.
Internet connectivity was disrupted in Marrakesh due to power cuts, according to global internet monitor NetBlocks.
The United Nations said it was ready to assist Morocco in helping its population, the organization announced on Saturday.
“The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the earthquake that struck Morocco today, costing many lives,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Chief.
French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, along with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have offered condolences and assistance.
The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Natanyau, UK’s Foreign Minister James Cleverly, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky have all expressed their deepest condolences to HM King Mohammed VI and all Moroccans for the lives lost in the horrible earthquake.
Meanwhile Spain has offered to send rescuers to Morocco, as well as help rebuild the country according Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Saturday.
On the one hand the earthquake was also felt in neighboring Algeria, where the Algerian Civil Defence said it had not caused any damage or casualties.
In 2004, at least 628 people were killed and 926 injured when a quake hit Al Hoceima in northeastern Morocco, and in 1960 a magnitude 6.7 quake in Agadir killed more than 12,000.