The death toll of the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco on Friday night has climbed to 2,012, with an additional 2,059 people reported injured, including 1,404 in critical condition, according to the Moroccan Ministry of Interior. The majority of casualties are in the regions of Al-Houz, where 1,293 lives have been lost, and Taroudant, which has recorded 452 deaths. Both of these areas, located to the south of Marrakech, have experienced severe destruction due to the earthquake. Earlier reports from the Moroccan Ministry of Interior pointed out that the fatalities were spread across nine regions, with 694 deaths in Al-Houz, 347 in Taroudant, 191 in Chichaoua, 39 in Ouarzazate, 14 in Marrakech, and 11 in Azilal. The Rabat-based National Center for Scientific and Technical Research had previously confirmed that the earthquake registered a magnitude of 7 on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was situated in the Al-Houz region, located southwest of the popular tourist destination of Marrakech. Yesterday, President Mahmoud Abbas instructed Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh to dispatch rescue, relief and civil defense teams to Morocco to provide all possible aid to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck several regions in the brotherly nation. President Abbas also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Morocco and their leadership, affirming that the Palestinian people stand in solidarity with their Moroccan brothers and sisters during this difficult time.

Source: En – Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA