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The death toll in the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco is nearing 2,500, surpassing the previous official estimate of 2,122.
According to figures released by the country’s Interior Ministry on Monday, the death toll had risen to 2,497, with another 2,476 people injured.
Around 300,000 people were affected by the quake, the UN has estimated, with many left homeless or fearing more aftershocks forced to sleep on the streets of Marrakech for the past three nights.
‘It’s difficult to pull people out alive because most of the walls and ceilings turned to earthen rubble when they fell, burying whoever was inside without leaving air spaces,’ a military rescue worker, who asked not to be named, said at an army centre south of Marrakech near the epicentre.
“On Sunday, people across the country were compelled to endure a third night outdoors following the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck late on Friday.”
“In Marrakech, several hundred individuals who cannot return to their homes have established a makeshift camp in Place des Ferblantiers, located near the southwest of the city and the medina.”
“Some people were sprawled out on the central reservation of the city’s main road, Mohamed VI Avenue, while others lay beside their parked cars.”
“The earthquake caused significant damage to the walls encircling Marrakech’s historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 12th century.”
“Morocco has officially accepted search-and-rescue assistance from Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the United Kingdom.”
