A magnitude-6.8 quake is the biggest to hit North Africa in 120 years. The earthquake in Morocco’s High Atlas mountains has killed at least 2,000 people, a death toll that is expected to rise as rescuers were struggling on Saturday to reach hard-hit remote areas.
More than 2,900 people died in the quake, mostly in Marrakech and five provinces near the epicenter, Morocco’s interior ministry said. More than 2,000 people were injured, 1,400 critically, officials said.
The toll of deaths and injured people will almost certainly increase as rescuers have struggled to bypass boulder-strewn roads to the remote mountain villages that were hit hardest.
The Moroccan military announced that the king, Mohammed VI, had authorized the country’s armed forces to intervene and oversee aid efforts.
“Rapid response units, airplanes, helicopters, drones, engineering and logistical centers have been deployed to the location, with the aim of bringing the necessary support to affected areas and homes,” it said.
Morocco declared three days of national mourning, during which the national flag would be flown at half mast, the royal court said. The Moroccan armed forces were deploying rescue teams to provide affected areas with clean drinking water, food supplies, tents, and blankets, it added.
Local television showed piles of rubble and broken pipes crushing parked cars and blocking streets across Marrakech as residents rushed into the street after the quake struck at 11.11 pm on Friday.
State TV showed people wrapped in blankets sleeping in the street, fearing further aftershocks.
Pray for the people of Morocco.
1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all people.
Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and diseases; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
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