Devastating earthquake hits Morocco, claiming over 1,300 lives.
A Powerful and Rare Earthquake Strikes Morocco, Leaving Devastation in Its Wake
A powerful and rare earthquake has struck the northern African nation of Morocco, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of at least 1,300 people, with over 1,800 injured.
The earthquake, which occurred late on Friday night, hit the western part of the country, situated across from Spain just south of the Strait of Gibraltar.
The New York Times reported that the earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, struck in the High Atlas Mountains close to midnight. This seismic event is the most powerful earthquake to hit Morocco in over 120 years.
According to The Times, Morocco is located at the juncture of a slow-motion tectonic crash between the African and Eurasian plates. These plates collide at a rate of only 4 to 6 millimeters per year, in stark contrast to the San Andreas Fault, which shifts approximately 50 millimeters per year.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the number of fatalities resulting from this earthquake could range from 1,000 to 10,000.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP
In response to the tragedy, King Mohammed VI of Morocco held a meeting where he issued orders directing his government’s response. He instructed the immediate establishment of an inter-ministerial commission responsible for deploying a relief program, emergency rehabilitation, and assistance in the reconstruction of destroyed housing in the affected areas.
The Biden administration also expressed its support for Morocco, offering condolences and solidarity.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life from yesterday’s earthquake in Morocco and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “We offer our support and solidarity to our Moroccan partners at this tragic time.”
We are deeply saddened by the loss of life from yesterday’s earthquake in Morocco and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected. We offer our support and solidarity to our Moroccan partners at this tragic time.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 9, 2023
Multiple nations, including Turkey, which is still recovering from a devastating earthquake in February that claimed over 50,000 lives, have offered support to Morocco in the aftermath of this earthquake.
Achraf Hakimi, a star player on the Moroccan soccer team, took to social media to appeal for blood donations to aid the earthquake victims.
“We are living in difficult times, and our thoughts are with the injured and the families of the victims,” he wrote. “Let’s all cooperate and contribute to saving the wounded by donating blood. To God we belong and to him we shall return.”
This is a developing news story; refresh the page for updates.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...