What Morocco experienced was a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake that resulted in a staggering loss of life, with over 1,300 people confirmed dead, according to officials.
Many of the victims are located in hard-to-reach regions south of Marrakech, where the earthquake’s impact has been most severe.
What is latest on the Morocco earthquake?
- Rising Death Toll: The number of fatalities from the earthquake has surged from an initial count of 1,037 to a devastating 1,305, as reported by Morocco’s interior ministry.
- Injuries: A total of 1,832 individuals have been reported injured, surpassing the earlier count of 1,204. Alarmingly, around 1,220 of these individuals are in critical condition, underscoring the urgent need for medical assistance.
- Foreign Casualty: Among the casualties, a French citizen has been identified. The individual, who succumbed to a cardiac arrest during the earthquake, remains unnamed.
- Continuing Search and Rescue: Experts predict that the number of fatalities may continue to rise as rescuers access remote and severely affected areas while intensifying search efforts.
- National Mourning: Morocco has declared three days of national mourning in response to the catastrophic earthquake. Flags across the country will be flown at half-mast during this period, as announced by the royal court.
- Humanitarian Response: The armed forces are mobilizing rescue teams to provide crucial support to affected areas. This assistance includes the provision of clean drinking water, food supplies, tents, and blankets.
The earthquake has left a profound impact on Morocco, with the nation grappling with an immense loss of life and widespread devastation. Efforts are underway to provide aid and support to those affected by this tragic event.