LIVE — Massive earthquake devastates Morocco – DW – 09/09/2023

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, along with other world leaders, offered sympathies following the deadly quake. 

Scholz said “our thoughts are with the victims of this devastating earthquake” in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his condolences. 

“Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco,” Modi said on X. “In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones.”   

A massive earthquake shook Morocco on Friday evening, leaving hundreds dead.

“According to a provisional report, the earthquake killed 296 earthquake killed in the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant,” the Moroccan Interior Ministry said in a statement. 

The US Geological Survey found the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it struck at 11:11 p.m. (2211 GMT).  

The quake reportedly impacted historic buildings in Marrakesh, such as the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque.

The epicenter of the earthquake was in the Atlas Mountains.