Morocco Earthquake Update: World leaders express Grief after 820 people lost their lives in 6.8 magnitude earthquake

• Image Credit: Google

• Sep 9, 2023 | Poonam Nath

Morocco is shaken by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake, creating panic and devastation; the USGS releases alerts as people...

Digital Desk:  The death toll from Morocco's earthquake jumped to 820, with 672 people injured, according to a state-run television station, which updated a previous toll of more than 600. The interior ministry reported that 205 of the injured are in critical condition following the late-Friday quake, which measured 6.8 and was Morocco's biggest ever recorded.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), this was the biggest tremor to strike that section of the North African country in more than a century. 

Furthermore, at 11:11 p.m. (local time), the earthquake struck 71 kilometres southwest of Marrakesh at a depth of 18.5 miles. Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira were also affected by the earthquake.

As per the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, inhabitants are still vulnerable to aftershocks. "We remind you of the need to exercise caution and take safety measures due to the risk of aftershocks," the military said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Messages of solidarity began to pour in from all across the world on Saturday. On X, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his sorrow. According to a UN spokeswoman, "The United Nations is ready to assist the government of Morocco in its efforts to assist the impacted population."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt condolences for the deaths caused by the catastrophic earthquake. During this awful period, he expressed his condolences to the affected families and gave his thoughts and support to the people of the North African country.

Morocco's northern region is prone to earthquakes due to its location between the African and Eurasian plates.