Last Updated: September 09, 2023, 13:15 IST
A damaged vehicle is pictured in the historic city of Marrakech, following a powerful earthquake in Morocco, September 9, 2023. (Reuters)
Harrowing Morocco earthquake videos reveal chaos and destruction as death toll reaches 632 in the 6.8-magnitude quake
Harrowing videos are making rounds on the internet that provide a glimpse into the chaos that unfolded during the devastating Morocco earthquake. Within a matter of few hours, the death toll has risen to 632 after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake rattled the country on Friday night. The quake hit 71 kilometres southwest of Marrakesh at a depth of 18.5 kilometers at 11:11 pm. It was also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said that this was the strongest tremor to hit that part of the North African nation in more than a century. Harrowing videos provide a glimpse into the chaos and destruction that unfolded during this natural disaster.
#BREAKING UPDATE While you slept, here is CCTV footage I Authenticated of the heartbreaking moment in Morocco 🇲🇦 where at least 296 people are reported dead and over 150 injured after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit the country. This is very sad. They even felt it in Algeria 🇩🇿… pic.twitter.com/kcGdpXeElk— Dr Olukemi Olunloyo (@Kemiolunloyo) September 9, 2023
On Saturday, messages of support began to roll in from around the world on Saturday. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted condolences on X. A UN spokesperson said that “the United Nations is ready to assist the government of Morocco in its efforts to assist the impacted population.”
6.8 magnitude earthquake hits MoroccoAt least 632 people died and another 329 were injured.Widespread destruction and panic are reported; people remain under the rubble.It is the biggest earthquake to hit Morocco in at least two decades. 😭 pic.twitter.com/fCIC3hVfFb— Eva 🇨🇿❤️🇺🇦 (@Eva_CZ1) September 9, 2023
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep sorrow for the lives lost due to the devastating earthquake. He conveyed his condolences to the affected families and offered his thoughts and support to the people of the North African country during this tragic time.
Footages of heartbreaking moment in Morocco as at least 296 people are reported dead and over 150 injured after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit the country.Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Morocco. pic.twitter.com/dLjaNqdZjX— Lawrence I. Okoro ( Sir Law ) (@LawrenceOkoroPG) September 9, 2023
Morocco experiences frequent earthquakes in its northern region due to its position between the African and Eurasian plates. In 1960, a magnitude 5.8 tremor struck near the Moroccan city of Agadir and caused thousands of deaths. The Agadir quake prompted changes in construction rules in Morocco, but many buildings, especially rural homes, are not built to withstand such tremors.
In 2004, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake near the Mediterranean coastal city of Al Hoceima left more than 600 dead. Friday’s quake was felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria
(With agency inputs)
