According to Morocco’s Interior Ministry, a rare and violent 6.8-magnitude earthquake slammed Morocco late Friday night, killing over 2,000 people in the country’s biggest quake in more than a century.
The quake had a magnitude of 6.8 when it struck at 11:11 p.m. local time, with shaking that lasted several seconds, according to the US Geological Survey. The National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network of Morocco recorded it as a 7 on the Richter scale. A 4.9-magnitude aftershock struck 19 minutes later, according to the US agency.
Marrakech is a prominent tourist destination noted for its medieval palaces and has a population of almost a million people. The 2016 United Nations Climate Change Conference was held in Marrakech.
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Algeria offers to open its airspace to Morocco following deadly quake
As the death toll rises, Algeria has offered humanitarian aid and has offered to open its airspace to allow eventual humanitarian relief or medical evacuation planes into and out of neighboring Morocco.
The country, which is bordered to the west by Morocco, closed its airspace after its government cut diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021 due to a variety of reasons. The countries have been at odds for decades over the territory of Western Sahara.
Algeria said it is ready to provide humanitarian aid “in solidarity with the brotherly Moroccan people, if the authorities of the Moroccan kingdom express a desire for this,” according to the office of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The message also expressed condolences for those who died and “deepest compassion” for those who were injured.
Death toll reaches 1,037, more than 1,204 others injured
According to the Associated Press, the dead toll from the earthquake near Marrakech has risen to 1,037. More than 1,204 people are hurt, 721 of whom are gravely injured.
According to the Associated Press, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI directed the mobilization of air and ground assets, specialized search and rescue teams, and a surgical field hospital. According to the Associated Press, the Moroccan government has not publicly requested aid, which is required for outside rescue teams to be deployed.
President Biden issues written statement on Morocco earthquake
In a written statement, President Biden stated he was deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this terrible hardship,” the president said. “My administration is in contact with Moroccan officials. We are working expeditiously to ensure American citizens in Morocco are safe, and stand ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Moroccan people. The United States stands by Morocco and my friend King Mohammed VI at this difficult moment.”
Morocco earthquake: It could take years to repair the damage, warns the Red cross
Morocco earthquake: Following the tremendous devastation caused by an unexpected earthquake, the Red Cross group cautioned that it could take years to rebuild the damage in Morocco.
“It won’t happen in a week or two… We anticipate a reaction that will take months, if not years,” said the organization’s Middle East and North Africa head, Hossam Elsharkawi, in a statement.
The village of Tafeghaghte, 60 kilometers southwest of Marrakesh, was nearly completely demolished by the quake, the epicentre of which was only around 50 kilometers distant, according to an AFP crew, with only a few buildings remaining standing.
Morocco: Eiffel Tower goes dark to mourn the death of people due to earthquake
To commemorate the deaths of earthquake victims in Morocco, the Paris Eiffel Tower switched off its lights on Saturday.
