Powerful Earthquake Kills Over 630 In Morocco; PM Modi Says India Ready To Offer All Possible Assistance

A devastating earthquake in Morocco claimed the lives of over 600 people, according to figures from the country's interior ministry.

The quake struck late Friday (8 September), causing terrified residents to flee their homes in the middle of the night.

The earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, occurred 72 kilometers southwest of the popular tourist destination, Marrakesh. The US Geological Survey reported the time of the quake as 11:11 pm (2211 GMT).

The impact of the quake was felt strongly in several coastal cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira.

The latest figures released by the Moroccan interior ministry on Saturday revealed that the death toll had risen to 632, news agency AFP reported.

More than half of the fatalities occurred in the provinces of Al-Haouz and Taroudant. Additional deaths were recorded in Ouarzazate, Chichaoua, Azilal, and Youssoufia provinces, as well as in Marrakesh, Agadir, and the Casablanca area.

Another 329 individuals were injured in the incident, with 51 of them in critical condition, according to the ministry.

The USGS PAGER system, which offers preliminary evaluations on earthquake impacts, has issued a red alert for economic losses. It states that extensive damage is likely to occur and the disaster is expected to have a wide-ranging impact.

Events with this level of alert in the past have necessitated a response at the national or international level, according to the US government agency.

Marrakesh experienced disruptions in internet connectivity due to power outages, as confirmed by global internet monitor NetBlocks.

Moroccan media has reported that the recent earthquake is the most powerful to ever hit the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (9 September) expressed his distress upon hearing the news of the earthquake and assured that India is ready to offer any assistance to Morocco.

During the first session of the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Modi, as the chair, extended his heartfelt condolences to the people affected by the earthquake in Morocco.

"On behalf of all of us I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the people affected by the earthquake that struck Morocco a short time ago," PM Modi said while chairing the G20 Summit.

"We pray that all the injured people get well soon. The entire world community is with Morocco in this difficult time and we are ready to provide them all possible assistance," he added.