Morocco has witnessed the deadliest earthquake in decades claiming over 2,000 people’s lives, causing widespread damage and sending terrified residents and tourists scrambling to safety in the middle of the night.
According to the US Geological Survey, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck an area of 72 km (45 miles) southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakesh at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT) on Friday.
At least 2,012 people are confirmed dead, while 2,059 were injured, including 1,404 in critical condition, according to a ministry statement.
The ministry also recorded deaths in Ouarzazate, Chichaoua, Azilal and Youssoufia provinces, as well as in Marrakesh, Agadir and the Casablanca area.
Reportedly, strong tremors were also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira.
Amid the heart-wrenching incident, King Mohammed VI declared three days of national mourning and ordered shelter, food and other help for survivors. Several people are spending a second night out in the open.
Moreover, flags will be at half-mast on all buildings in Morocco for the next three days, the royal palace said in a statement.
The king ordered the armed forces to assist rescue teams and Moroccans are donating blood as part of the national efforts to help victims.
Meanwhile, the Moroccan football national team also donated blood, including Achraf Hakimi urged the nation to help after it experienced one of the worst disasters in recent times.
Taking it to X (formerly known as Twitter), Hakimi wrote, “We feel a difficult moment for our loved ones. It’s raining temperatures to save as many views as possible. There are many condolences to everyone who is here. We are living through difficult times, and our thoughts are all with the injured and the families of the victims. We all cooperate and contribute to saving the wounded by donating blood. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”
Notably, Morocco experiences frequent quakes in its northern region amid its position between the African and Eurasian plates.
In 2004, at least 628 people were killed and 926 injured when a quake hit Al Hoceima in northeastern Morocco.
The 1980, 7.3-magnitude El Asnam earthquake in neighbouring Algeria was one of the largest and most destructive earthquakes in recent history. It killed 2,500 people and left at least 300,000 homeless.
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