What we know so far about the Morocco earthquake

CNN
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More than 2,000 people have died yet Strong earthquake It struck the North African country of Morocco on Friday night. Thousands were injured.

earthquake It is the strongest earthquake to strike the center of the country in more than a century, and its epicenter was not far from the famous tourist and economic center of Marrakesh.

State radio 2M said on Sunday that at least 2,122 people were killed in the disaster and 2,421 others were injured.

Here’s what we know so far.

When and where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake occurred around 11:11 pm local time (6:11 pm ET). The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the High Atlas Mountains, about 72 kilometers (44.7 miles) southwest of Marrakesh, a city with a population of about 840,000 people.

But its influence was felt as far north as Casablanca, as this map shows.

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The earthquake’s magnitude reached 6.8, which means it is classified as “strong.” It also struck at a relatively shallow depth, making it more devastating.

According to the USGS, earthquakes of this size are uncommon in the region, but not unexpected. She pointed out that nine earthquakes with a magnitude of 5 or more have struck the region since 1900, but none of them had a magnitude higher than 6.

This earthquake is the deadliest in Morocco since 1960, when an earthquake killed more than 12,000 people.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 300,000 people have been affected in Marrakesh and its surrounding areas. Historical sites have been damaged, but the areas most affected are those closest to the Atlas Mountains.

Eyewitnesses in the foothills of the mountains said that some towns as well Completely destroyedwith almost all Homes were damaged in the village of Esni.

More than a thousand people died in the Al Haouz province, and more than 400 people died in the city of Taroudant in southwestern Morocco.

The exact size of the earthquake is still emerging.

Emergency workers were deployed to affected areas, although some roads were damaged or closed due to debris. It was difficult to reach some remote villages located on the slopes of the mountain.

Muhammad, 50 years old, from the city of Werkan, lost four members of his family in the earthquake. “I was able to get out safely with my baby but I lost the rest. My house was gone.” He said.

Rescue operations are still continuing. “We are in the streets with the authorities trying to extract the dead from under the rubble. Several people were taken to the hospital in front of me. We are hoping for miracles from under the rubble,” he said.

In Marrakesh, some residents spent Saturday night in the streets for fear of returning to their homes. Others fled the city altogether. There were warnings of aftershocks.

The Moroccan government said it had mobilized all available resources to confront the earthquake and urged people to “avoid panic.”

Moroccan King Mohammed VI ordered the formation of a relief committee to distribute aid to survivors, including orphans and people who lost their homes in the disaster.

He also declared three days of national mourning and ordered mosques across the country to hold funeral prayers at noon on Sunday for the dead.

a lot World leaders expressed their condolencesIt also offered support to Morocco.

France has activated emergency aid from local government funds to assist with humanitarian operations in areas affected by the earthquake.

A Spanish search and rescue team, consisting of 56 soldiers and four dogs, landed in Marrakesh to help following the earthquake, according to the Spanish Ministry of Defense.

Turkey, which was hit by a devastating earthquake that killed tens of thousands earlier this year, said it was ready to send aid. 265 people and 1000 tents To Morocco to support aid efforts.

Algeria, which severed diplomatic relations with Morocco in 2021 and closed its airspace to all aircraft registered in Morocco, said it would do so. Reopening its airspace For humanitarian aid and medical trips to and from the Arab world.

The United Nations and US President Joe Biden also said they were ready to provide assistance, and the World Bank said it had offered the country its “full support.”

Many other world leaders have sent their condolences, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The official Al Oula channel reported on Sunday that Moroccan King Mohammed VI thanked Spain, Qatar, Britain and the United Arab Emirates for sending aid following the earthquake.

In a statement published by state broadcaster 2M, the Interior Ministry said the country may also accept some other offers of support it has received “from friendly countries,” depending on its future needs.