Morocco on Friday night was struck by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake, the deadliest in the North African nation in over six decades, claiming the lives of thousands people and wreaking havoc on villages across the nation.
Here are things to know in Day-Two of the natural disaster.
1. Casualties
The death toll from the quake has risen to 2,012, officials said on Saturday evening. Some 2,059 others were injured – of whom 1,404 were in a critical condition.
The quake was recorded at a depth of 18.5 km, typically more destructive than deeper quakes of the same magnitude. It was Morocco’s deadliest earthquake since 1960 when a quake was estimated to have killed at least 12,000 people, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
2. Nation-wide strike
The quake was felt throughout the country – notably in the tourist hotspot Marrakesh, and remote villages in the nearby High Atlas Mountains.
Some building collapsed in Marrakech, the nearest big city to the epicentre, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Local television showed pictures of a fallen mosque minaret with rubble lying on smashed cars.
3. Aids are coming
Along with many countries offering help, Algeria has said it was ready to open its airspace in support of Morocco, despite breaking off ties with its neighbour two years ago. Notably, UN and WHO say they are ready to support relief materials.
4. Morocco Gov’t declares three days of mourning
The Moroccan government has on Saturday declared three days of mourning following a deadly earthquake that has devastated large parts of the country, the royal court has announced.
“Three days of national mourning have been decided, with flags to fly at half-mast on all public buildings,” said a statement published by the official MAP news agency after King Mohamed VI chaired a meeting to discuss the disaster.
5. The earthquake was felt in other countries
The earthquake was felt in other countries, including Algeria, Tunisia, and Spain. However, there have been no reports of damage or casualties in these countries.
6. Marrakech billed to host international event
Marrakech is due to host the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank from Oct. 9.
An IMF spokesperson, asked about the planned meetings, said: “Our sole focus at this time is on the people of Morocco and the authorities who are dealing with this tragedy.”
7. The earthquake is a reminder of Morocco’s vulnerability to seismic activity
Morocco is located in a seismically active region, and earthquakes occur regularly. The country is also located along the Mediterranean fault line, a major fault line that runs through the Mediterranean Sea.
