The death toll from the powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Morocco has risen to 632, while 329 people were injured. State TV gave this information on Saturday. Morocco’s interior ministry said in a statement that the deaths were reported from the provinces and municipalities of Al-Hauj, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Ajilal, Chichoua and Taroudant.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake’s epicenter was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71 km southwest of Marrakesh, at a depth of 18.5 km. The earthquake struck at 11.11pm and people were seen running through the streets in videos on social media. Other videos showed damaged buildings and debris-strewn streets. The tremors were felt in the capital Rabat, about 350 km from the epicenter, as well as in the cities of Casablanca and Essaouira.
India came forward
India has reached Morocco to provide assistance to its citizens, which was hit by a powerful earthquake of 6.8 magnitude. The Indian Embassy in Morocco has issued a helpline number asking Indians to contact them for any kind of assistance. “In the wake of the recent earthquake in Morocco, Indian nationals in Morocco may contact the Embassy of India helpline number +212661297491 for any assistance,” the embassy posted a message on Twitter on Saturday.
Condoling the loss of lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered assistance to the North African nation. Modi posted on Sensibilities.”
“May the injured recover as soon as possible. India is ready to provide all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.”
