Morocco Struck by Devastating Earthquake: Death Toll Surpasses 1,300 and Over 1200 injured..
Tragedy struck Morocco as a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake rattled the nation, leaving behind a trail of destruction and a rising death toll. According to state-run broadcaster Al Aoula, the catastrophe has claimed the lives of at least 1,305 people.
The aftermath of the earthquake has left 1,832 individuals injured, with a staggering 1,220 individuals classified as critical cases, as reported by Al Aoula, citing information from the interior ministry.
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King Mohammed VI of Morocco has been informed about the extensive damage caused by the devastating earthquake and has taken immediate action to address the crisis. The Royal Palace announced on Saturday that the king has initiated the establishment of a commission dedicated to providing relief to the affected regions.
During a pivotal working meeting, government officials briefed King Mohammed VI on the extent of the damage and loss of life in the quake-affected provinces, some of which remained inaccessible for several hours after the disaster, as reported in a statement by the palace, which was published by state-run broadcaster 2M.
The response efforts initiated thus far encompass intensified search and rescue operations, the provision of clean drinking water, and the distribution of essential supplies such as food kits, tents, and blankets.
Additionally, the king has issued directives for the immediate establishment of an inter-ministerial commission, tasked with executing a relief program. This program will facilitate emergency rehabilitation efforts and assist in the reconstruction of housing units destroyed in the disaster-stricken areas.
The commission’s responsibilities include tending to those in dire circumstances, particularly orphans and vulnerable individuals. It will also extend immediate assistance to those left homeless by the earthquake, addressing their needs related to shelter, sustenance, and other essential requirements.
Rescue teams are currently grappling with challenges in reaching the worst-affected areas, as debris obstructs roads and access routes. In the face of these daunting circumstances, hopes remain for miraculous recoveries amidst the rubble.
The epicenter of this catastrophic earthquake was situated in the High Atlas Mountains, approximately 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech. Marrakech, a renowned tourist city with a population of approximately 840,000 people, has witnessed significant damage, including harm to its historic walls that trace back to the early 12th century.
This earthquake marks the most powerful seismic event to impact the Marrakech vicinity in over a century, according to data from the US Geological Survey, leaving Morocco grappling with one of the deadliest natural disasters in decades.
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