Grief & International Support Pours in as Morocco Grapples with Devastating Earthquake

MOROCCO: A Powerful Earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Morocco on Friday night, leaving a trail of devastation and claiming the lives of at least 296 people. The earthquake, which occurred at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT), had its epicenter located 71 km southwest of Marrakesh and struck at a depth of 18.5 km, according to local officials cited by the news agency AFP.

The impact of the tremors rippled across Moroccan cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira, where residents reported terrifying moments as buildings collapsed and narrow streets were strewn with rubble. "We heard screams at the time of the earthquake," shared a resident of Essaouira, situated 200 km west of Marrakesh.

The United States Geological Survey's (USGS) pager system issued an Orange alert for potential economic damage, signifying the likelihood of significant destruction. Additionally, a Yellow alert was issued, warning of potential casualties due to aftershocks, further raising concerns of large-scale harm.

Morocco's geographical location, nestled between the African and Eurasian plates, places the northern region of the country at continuous risk of seismic activity. In a tragic incident in 2004, an earthquake in Al Hoceima resulted in the loss of at least 628 lives and left 926 injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, saying, "Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time."