Eko Hot Blog reports that leaders across the world have extended their condolences to Morocco over the disastrous earthquake of magnitude 6.8 that struck in central Morocco killing about 820 persons, and damaging many historic building in the country.
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According to an international report, the tremor which occurred on Friday at the High Atlas Mountains that is 71km south-west of Marrakesh at a depth of 18.5km as described by the US Geological Survey is the strongest in over a century.
The Country’s Interior Ministry headed by ,Abdelouafi Laftit, reportedly said that the earthquake struck around 11:11pm (GMT +I) killing about 820 people in the south of the country.
In addition to the occurrence at the al-Haouz, Marrakesh, other provinces like Ouarzazate Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant were equally affected leaving 600 more people injured in the deadly disaster.
The Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said his country stands by Morocco “in these difficult moments.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed sympathy “with the Moroccan people in the face of the terrible earthquake”, while top EU diplomat Joseph Borrell said the bloc is ready to provide Morocco “the assistance it wishes”.
The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said “our thoughts are with the victims of this devastating earthquake. Our sympathy goes out to all those affected”.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky also sympathized saying “deepest condolences to HM King Mohammed VI and all Moroccans for the lives lost in the horrible earthquake.” “Ukraine stands in solidarity with Morocco during this tragic time,” he said on social media.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent his well wishes, in a message to Morocco’s king, “we share the pain and the mourning of the friendly Moroccan people.”
The president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, expressed his sympathy “stand with the Kingdom of Morocco during this difficult time and wish a speedy recovery ahead to all those affected”.
The tremor caused panic among the citizens on Friday night, as many were forced to leave their homes to spend the night in the open, however, the Moroccan government has warned them to return to their various homes.
Health facilities in the affected areas witnessed an influx of casualties and citizens have been called upon to donate blood to the victims of the disaster.
Further Reading
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) World Heritage site in Medina area of the country was equally affected and many families trapped under rubbles.
The popular historic Kutubiyya mosque sited in Marrakesh was seen clouded by dust in a video on the X (formerly known as Twitter) platform. The mosque is a tourist attraction in the country.
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