6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Moroccan Capital of Marrakesh, Death Toll Currently at 2,000 Tsunami Warnings Issued

Recently, a powerful earthquake struck the capital of Morocco, which caused multiple deaths and many citizens with serious injuries.

According to news reports, the death toll has soared to more than 2,000, with a similar number of injured.

King Mohammed VI has since declared three days of national mourning and ordered shelter, food and other help for survivors.

The magnitude 6.8 quake hit Marrakesh and many towns on Friday night and in remote mountain areas, entire villages are reported to have been flattened.

It is believed that many simple mud brick, stone, and timber homes in mountain villages will have collapsed, but the scale of devastation in remote areas will take some time to assess.

King Mohammed VI has also chaired an emergency meeting with officials to coordinate rescue efforts and aid and has ordered the armed forces to assist rescue teams.

This is Morocco’s deadliest earthquake since the city of Agadir was devastated by a 6.7-magnitude quake back in 1960, which killed more than 12,000.

Meanwhile, the UN has said it was ready to assist the government of Morocco in its rescue efforts whilst similar pledges have come from several countries, including Spain, France and Israel.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Also read: 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Tokyo, No Tsunami Warnings Issued