Morocco Earthquake: Death Toll Reaches 2,122. Spain, France, Israel Offer Help Amid Rescue Ops

The death toll in the Morocco earthquake rose to 2,122 while at least 2,400 people were injured in the 6.8 magnitude quake, as per the official figures.

A woman gestures as she stands amongst the rubble of her home that was destroyed by yesterday's earthquake, on September 10, 2023 in Moulay Brahim, Morocco.

Source : Getty Images

New Delhi: The death toll from the devastating earthquake in Morocco rose to 2,122 and at least 2,400 people were injured, as per the official figures updated on Sunday. After a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit the ancient city of Marrakesh, an aftershock of 4.5 magnitude rattled the same region. According to a report by news agency AFP, the mountain village of Tafeghaghte, 60 kilometres from Marrakesh, was entirely destroyed, barring a few buildings that developed cracks.

Search and rescue operations were underway on Sunday, as the civilian rescuers and members of Morocco's armed forces searched for survivors and recovered the bodies from the rubble.

"Everyone is gone! My heart is broken. I am inconsolable. I want them to hurry and get him out so I can mourn in peace,” AFP quoted one of the survivors, who lost 18 of her relatives and the body of her brother was still buried under the debris.

According to the AFP report, two villages in Al-Haouz province, site of the epicentre, suffered the maximum number of deaths, 1,351.

Meanwhile, Spain's defence ministry said an A400 airlifter took off from Zaragoza. Four search dogs and 56 rescuers were headed for Marrakesh to "help in the search and rescue of survivors". "We will send whatever is needed because everyone knows that these first hours are key, especially if there are people buried under rubble," Defence Minister Margarita Robles told the media, reported AFP.

Apart from Spain, several countries offered help. French President Emmanuel Macron said his country mobilised "all technical and security teams to be able to intervene, when the Moroccan authorities deem it useful," as per AFP.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, whose country established ties with Morocco in 2020, offered to send rescue teams, declaring that "Israel stands by Morocco in its difficult time".

Pope Francis also expressed support for those affected by the earthquake. "I thank the rescuers and all those who are working to alleviate the suffering of the people," he said, as quoted by AFP.

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