At least 296 people have been killed and 153 injured in Morocco after a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the country late Friday night. The death toll is expected to rise as many of the fatalities have occurred in mountainous areas that are difficult for rescuers to reach.
The epicenter of the earthquake was near the historic city of Marrakech, which was heavily impacted. However, tremors were felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria.
According to Morocco’s National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network, the earthquake struck in the Ighil area of the High Atlas with a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter scale. Just 19 minutes later, a 4.9-magnitude aftershock was reported.
The US Geological Survey estimates that approximately 20 million people felt the impact of the earthquake, with over 2 million people experiencing strong to very strong shaking.
Reports indicate that this earthquake is the strongest to hit the region in 120 years. In 1960, Morocco experienced a 5.8-magnitude earthquake near Agadir, which resulted in thousands of deaths.
Rescue and relief efforts are currently underway, but they are being hampered by the remote and mountainous terrain. The interior ministry has called for urgent assistance from neighboring countries and international organizations to aid in the rescue operation.
The Moroccan government has set up temporary shelters and medical stations to provide immediate support to those affected by the earthquake. Emergency response teams have been dispatched to the affected areas to assess the damage and provide assistance to survivors.
Due to the widespread destruction caused by the earthquake, the death toll is likely to rise as rescuers reach more remote areas. The long-term impact of the earthquake on infrastructure and the local economy is yet to be determined.
The international community has expressed solidarity with Morocco and offered assistance in the relief efforts. Several countries, including Portugal and Algeria, have sent rescue teams and supplies to assist in the rescue and recovery operations.
The Moroccan government has urged the public to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. They have advised people to avoid damaged buildings and be cautious of potential aftershocks.
As this is a developing story, The Gateway Pundit will continue to provide updates on the situation.
In conclusion, the powerful earthquake that struck Morocco has claimed the lives of at least 296 people and left 153 others injured. The destruction caused by the earthquake has led to a significant challenge in rescue and relief efforts due to the difficult-to-reach mountainous areas. The Moroccan government has called for assistance from neighboring countries and international organizations to aid in the recovery operation. The long-term impact of the earthquake on the affected regions is yet to be determined, but immediate support in the form of temporary shelters and medical stations has been established. The international community has expressed solidarity with Morocco and offered assistance in the relief efforts. The public is advised to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.
