Online Desk/

1037 killed in powerful earthquake in Morocco. More than five hundred were injured. Residents of the country have not seen such a terrible earthquake in the last hundred years. Several cities were reduced to rubble in just 20 seconds. Many died in their sleep. Many people are still trapped under the collapsed buildings. As a result, it is feared that the number of casualties may increase.

This earthquake of magnitude 6.8 on the Richter scale struck on Friday night at 11:11 local time. Another earthquake occurred 19 minutes after the first earthquake. The second earthquake measured 4.9 on the Richter scale. At night, many people came out of their houses to save their lives. Hundreds of people were seen sitting on the side of the road on Saturday as well. News from BBC, Reuters and AFP.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake originated in the Atlas Mountains, about 75 kilometers southwest of Marrakech, Morocco’s fourth-largest city. The depth of the source was 18.5 kilometers.

The Ministry of Interior of Morocco said that the earthquake caused more damage in the areas of Marrakech, Al-Hawz, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaua, Taroudant. Most of the casualties occurred in mountainous areas, which are difficult to reach quickly.

Residents of Marrakech said that several buildings in the ancient city collapsed due to the earthquake. Footage aired on a local television channel showed a minaret of the mosque collapsing. Its debris was seen lying on some wrecked cars.

Resident of Marrakech, Id Wajiz Hassan, said that the houses here are made of piles of piles. As a result, the amount of damage has increased. People do not have heavy equipment to remove debris. They are trying to remove the debris with their bare hands.

Another resident, Brahim Himmi, said he saw several ambulances coming and going in the city. Many buildings were damaged. People are staying under the open sky due to fear of earthquake again.

43-year-old Houda Hafsi said, I ran out after the chandelier fell from the ceiling. I am still on the road with the children. We are afraid.

Another woman named Dalila Fahem said that cracks appeared in her house. The furniture is damaged. Dalila was awake during the night earthquake. He thinks that this is why he survived. Delilah said, luckily, I haven’t slept yet.

Muntasir Itri, a resident of mountain village Asni, said that most of the houses here were damaged. My neighbors are buried under the rubble. The local people are trying to rescue the trapped people with what is available at hand.

Hamid Afkar, a teacher from Taroudant area, a little west of Asni, came out of his house when the earthquake struck. Hamid said, there was a vibration for about 20 seconds. The doors were opening and closing automatically. I quickly came down from the third floor.

Meanwhile, world leaders have expressed their condolences on the victims of the earthquake. The Vatican Pope expressed deep sorrow over this. French President Emmanuel Macron said France is ready to help with first aid. Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Morocco’s neighbor Spain, expressed solidarity and support for the Moroccan people. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, we stand by the victims of the devastating earthquake.