Zhang Kai, an overseas Chinese living in Marrakesh, said the earthquake damaged many buildings in Marrakesh’s old city. Many residents had to spend the night in open spaces fearing possible aftershocks.
मोरक्को में भूकंप से मचा हाहाकार, मृतकों का आंकड़ा 2 हजार के पार, रेस्क्यू जारी
Friday’s earthquake in Morocco has caused tremendous devastation. More than 2 thousand people have died so far. More than two thousand people are injured, many of whom are in critical condition. Morocco issued a statement saying the earthquake had killed more than 2,012 people and injured at least 2,059 others, many of whom are in critical condition. Large scale rescue operation is going on.
The earthquake struck Morocco at 11:11 p.m. local time on Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The earthquake was at a depth of 18.5 km and its intensity was measured at 6.8 on the Richter scale. According to Xinhua news agency, the epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Houz province, about 70 km southwest of Marrakesh. The earthquake was felt in several Moroccan cities, including Rabat and Casablanca. Local media reported that several houses collapsed in the cities of Taroudant and Marrakesh.
“The earthquake damaged many buildings in the old city of Marrakesh,” said Zhang Kai, an overseas Chinese living in Marrakesh. “Many residents had to spend the night in open spaces fearing possible aftershocks.”
A resident of Ouarzazate, speaking on condition of anonymity, said earthquakes had occurred before, but none of them were as powerful as this one. On the way from Ouarzazate to the epicenter, rocks and debris from the mountains and buildings were seen scattered across the road.
According to local media reports, rescue workers have been sent to earthquake-hit areas to search for survivors. The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) announced on Saturday that it will provide US$200,000 in cash as emergency humanitarian aid to the Moroccan Red Crescent to aid its rescue operations.
The RCSC said it would remain aware of the relief needs in Morocco and pledged to provide assistance to the best of its ability. Arab countries and organizations including the Arab League (AAL), Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Tunisia, Algeria and Lebanon expressed condolences to Morocco on Saturday over the devastating earthquake.
Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, secretary general of the Cairo-based AL, said he hoped Morocco would soon recover from the crisis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday instructed his government to prepare aid for Morocco, hours after a strong earthquake struck the North African country, including plans to send an aid delegation to the region.
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