The number of dead in the earthquake that hit Morocco on Friday is 2,012 people, and the number of injured is 2,059, according to data from the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior.
In a press release, the government announced that of the total number of injured, 1404 are in serious condition.
According to these latest official data, victims were registered in a dozen provinces: Al Haouz, -south of Marrakech and close to the epicenter-, with 1293 deaths, followed by Taroudant (452 deaths), Chichaoua (191 deaths), Ouarzazate (41 ), Marrakech (15), Azilal (11), Agadir (5), Casablanca (3), Al Youssufia (1) and in Tinguir (1).
A seismic warning bulletin issued by Morocco’s National Institute of Geophysics explained that a magnitude 7 earthquake struck the northern Moroccan region of Marrakech at 11:11 p.m. local time (22:11 GMT) on Friday at a depth of 8 kilometers.
The epicenter was in the city of Ighil, which is located about 80 kilometers southwest of the city of Marrakesh.
This was stated by witnesses contacted by EFE The tremor was felt in northern towns such as Larache550 kilometers from the epicenter, as well as in Casablanca and Rabat, 300 and 370 kilometers, respectively, where their residents took to the streets to prevent aftershocks.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI on Saturday ordered three days of mourning in the country due to the earthquake and ordered the launch of an emergency program for the care of victims and the rehabilitation of damaged buildings.
After a working meeting to review the post-earthquake situation, the sovereign expressed Morocco’s gratitude to “many fraternal and friendly countries that have expressed their solidarity with the Moroccan people in this difficult situation,” according to a Royal Cabinet statement published by the state-run MAP agency.
He also ordered that prayers for the deceased be held in all mosques in the country this Sunday.
At the meeting, the emergency responders explained to the monarch what he had provided lead to earthquake victims and food, tents and blankets were distributed.
After listening to them, the king gave the instruction to establish an inter-ministerial commission that will start an emergency reconstruction program and help rebuild the destroyed buildings in the damaged areas.
Source: Panama America
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
