The death toll from a powerful earthquake in Morocco has soared to over 2,000, according to the latest update from the country’s Interior Ministry on September 9.
The heaviest casualties are in provinces just south of Marrakesh, but the tremors were also felt in the capital, Rabat, some 350 kilometers away, as well as in Casablanca, Agadir, and Essaouira.
Residents in Marrakesh, the nearest large city to the epicenter, shared harrowing accounts of the moment the earthquake struck and the subsequent chaos. Many buildings were reduced to rubble, and rescue efforts are underway to find survivors amidst the debris.
The earthquake, one of the most powerful to hit the region in decades, has prompted a massive response from local authorities and international aid organizations. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the injured, and temporary shelters are being set up for those who have lost their homes.
The disaster has united communities across Morocco, with volunteers from unaffected areas arriving to assist in relief efforts. Meanwhile, neighboring countries and global leaders have expressed their condolences and offered support.
As Morocco grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on rescuing survivors, providing medical care, and beginning the long process of rebuilding.
Reference(s):
'We Talk': CGTN Stringer on living through powerful Morocco earthquake
cgtn.com
