UAE Rulers Issued Condolences After Morocco Was Struck With A 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake
On Friday night, at 11:11 pm, an earthquake of 6.8 magnitude rocked Morocco
As of today afternoon, the death toll reached 820 with 672 people injured, according to the Moroccon state media.
The epicenter of the earthquake was in the High Atlas Mountains and the areas affected include Marrakesh, al-Haouz, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant.
Tremors of the earthquake were reported to have been felt in Algeria and Spain.
World leaders, including the ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, and the ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, extended their sincerest condolences and sympathies to the people of Morocco and wished them a speedy recovery.
خالص تعازينا ومواساتنا لإخوتنا في المغرب الشقيق في ضحايا الزلزال .. نسأل الله أن يلهمهم الصبر السلوان وأن يلطف بهم ويديم عليهم السلامة والأمان .
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) September 9, 2023
It was the strongest earthquake in Morocco in almost 123 years
People’s homes collapsed and cars were smashed due to falling rubble. Many residents slept outside at night in fear of aftershocks.
In Marrakesh’s Old City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, many historic buildings were damaged, including the medieval red wall of the city.
As with earthquakes of such magnitude, the death toll is likely to be on a rise as rescue efforts race against time to save those trapped under debris.
I extend my deepest condolences to my brother King Mohammed VI and the people of Morocco over the devastating earthquake that struck the country. We in the UAE stand with the Kingdom of Morocco during this difficult time and wish a speedy recovery ahead to all those affected.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 9, 2023
