CITIZENS COMPASS —THE death toll has surpassed 2,000 from a powerful 6-8 magnitude that struck Morocco on Friday night, according to state TV. The toll makes it the deadliest quake to hit the North African country in decades.
Rescue teams are reportedly struggling to reach the most affected areas, with roads blocked by debris. One witness said “we are hoping for miracles from the rubble.”
The epicenter was in the High Atlas mountains, about 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech, a popular tourist city of about 840,000 people. The city’s historic walls, first laid out in the early 12th century, have been damaged.
The quake was the most powerful to shake the area surrounding Marrakech in more than 120 years according to the US Geological Survey.
Here’s how to help victims of the earthquake in Morocco.
It’s a warm night in Marrakech and many people have decided to spend the night outside, afraid to sleep in their homes in case there are any further tremors.
People are staying away from the buildings in the historical part of the town as some of them have been damaged and there is a fear they could collapse.
In the Oliveraie Park in central Marrakech, hundreds of people are spending the night lying on blankets and makeshift mattresses.
Whole families are huddled together, trying to get some rest after a night on Friday.
Outside are children, the elderly, and other people bringing supplies and bags with clothes and food, preparing for what may become a long stay away from their homes.
Flags around the city are flying at half-staff to mark three days of national mourning.
Flights in and out of Marrakech, a major hub, have been operating mostly as normal, although the airport was quite busy overnight into Sunday, with dozens of tourists spending the night sleeping on the floor in the main terminal.
–CNN
