Twilight News Edition 535
Edition 535, 9th September 2023
MOROCCO EARTHQUAKE- 296 PEOPLE DEAD
By Saanvi Tripathy
Marrakesh, Morocco - A powerful earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, struck central Morocco with devastating consequences. The country's Interior Ministry confirmed that at least 296 people lost their lives, while more than 150 others suffered injuries. The earthquake's epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71 kilometers away from Marrakesh, with a shallow depth of 18.5 kilometres, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The initial quake, which struck at 23:11 local time, was followed by a 4.9 magnitude aftershock just 19 minutes later, intensifying the chaos. The impact extended beyond Marrakesh, affecting provinces and municipalities, including al-Haouz, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, Taroudant, and Marrakesh.
Some video clips posted on social media show scenes of destruction, with damaged buildings and streets filled with debris. Marrakesh's historic city witnessed building collapses. Witnesses described panic and fear, with various power and phone lines compounding the crisis.
Reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP) confirmed that one family was trapped beneath a collapsed house, while numerous individuals required hospitalisation. The remoteness of the earthquake's epicentre in the High Atlas Mountains complicates rescue efforts, potentially revealing further casualties in nearby mountain villages.
The earthquake's impact was felt beyond the epicentre, reaching as far as Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira, highlighting the widespread nature of the tremors.
As rescue and relief operations mobilize, Morocco faces a daunting recovery process. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the people of Morocco during this challenging time.