(VOVWORLD) - A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco on Friday night, leaving nearly 630 people dead and more than 230 injured, the country's interior ministry said in an updated toll on Saturday.
 Houses and building were destroyed during the earthquake in Marrakesh, Morocco on September 9 (Photo: Al Oula) |
Several buildings were destroyed during the earthquake, sending residents of major cities rushing from their homes. Moreover, a local official said most deaths were in mountain areas that were hard to reach.
The nearest big city to the epicentre is Marrakech, where several buildings — including a UNESCO World Heritage site — collapsed in the old city.
US Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake occurred about 72 km southwest of Marrakesh and 56 km west of the Atlas Mountain town of Oukaimeden at just after 11pm local time (2200 GMT).
Leaders of several countries have sent condolences to Morocco over the powerful earthquake that struck Morocco's High Atlas mountains late on Friday, killing hundreds and destroying buildings in the deadliest tremor to hit the country in decades Inaugurating a G20 Summit in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Nerendra Modi said "We pray that all the injured people get well soon. The entire world community is with Morocco in this difficult time and we are ready to provide them all possible assistance.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin in a message to Morocco’s King Mohamed VI wrote: "Please accept my sincere condolences on the tragic consequences of the devastating earthquake in the central regions of your country. Russia shares the worry and sorrow of the friendly people of Morocco. Please convey words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those who have suffered as a result of this natural disaster."
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter: "We stand by our Moroccan brothers with all our means in this difficult day."
In a separate statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Ankara was ready to provide all kinds of support "to heal the wounds of the earthquake in Morocco".
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote: “Together with the people of Morocco, we mourn the victims of the terrible earthquake. Our thoughts are with them and all those who are searching for those buried in these hours and fighting for the lives of the many injured."
French President Emmanuel Macron said: "We are all shocked after the terrible earthquake in Morocco. France stands ready to help first aid responses."