A purported CCTV footage captured the devastating moment a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco on Friday night, resulting in a tragic toll of at least 632 fatalities and over 329 reported injuries. The video, circulated on social media, depicts buildings trembling before some tragically collapse, prompting a frantic rush of people into the streets.
In the brief 28-second clip, individuals are seen engaged in their daily activities when the earthquake abruptly hits. As the ground shakes, a wave of panic ensues, with people urgently fleeing for safety. Soon after, debris from structures begins to fall.
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Numerous buildings and cherished heritage sites, including the iconic red walls enclosing the historic city—an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage site—have sustained significant damage due to the seismic event.
The quake’s epicenter was located in the mountain town of Ighil, situated in the Al Haouz Province, a mere 72 kilometers southwest of the popular tourist destination, Marrakesh. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 18.5 kilometers.
According to the US Geological Survey, the initial tremor struck at precisely 11:11 pm and its effects endured for several seconds. However, Morocco’s National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network assessed the earthquake as registering a magnitude of 7 on the Richter scale.
The US agency also reported a 4.9-magnitude aftershock occurring in the country 19 minutes after the initial quake. The quake’s impact was felt as far away as Portugal, as noted by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, and Algeria, according to Algeria’s Civil Defense agency.
Widespread damage to vehicles and properties has been documented in various cities, including Marrakesh and Ouarzazate. Heart-wrenching scenes of mourning and distress were witnessed on the streets of Morocco, as those who lost loved ones grappled with their grief.
Reports indicate that several individuals are feared to be trapped beneath the debris, and the grim tally of casualties is anticipated to rise.
