(DNO)Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has extended his condolences and pledged the unwavering solidarity of the Government and people of Dominica to the Kingdom of Morocco. The North African nation is reeling from a catastrophic earthquake that has tragically claimed the lives of over 2,000 residents and left countless others injured or
missing.
The earthquake, described as the most powerful to strike Morocco’s centre in more than a century, has left the nation grappling with immense devastation. When news broke, Skerrit took to his social media account and wrote, “On behalf of the Government and people of Dominica I express deep sympathies to King Mohammed VI, the grieving families and the people of Morocco. May God grant healing to the many injured.”
Stating that Morocco “has been a good friend to Dominica” Skerrit assured the country that Dominica stands in solidarity and is ready to offer any assistance and support that may be required during this challenging period.
The earthquake, with its epicentre near the bustling tourist and economic centre of Marrakech, unleashed unparalleled devastation and prompted extensive search and rescue efforts. According to reports from state media on Monday, the disaster has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 2,497 lives, with 2,476 individuals sustaining injuries. The scope of the destruction has left entire communities reduced to rubble, compelling rescue teams to labour tirelessly to reach isolated areas.
The earthquake struck with unwavering force at around 11:11 p.m. local time on Friday, delivering shockwaves that reverberated throughout the nation. Its epicentre was situated in the High Atlas mountain range, approximately 72 kilometres (44.7 miles) southwest of Marrakech, a city that is home to approximately 840,000 residents.
The seismic impact rippled far and wide, extending as far north as Casablanca. Nonetheless, the towns and villages situated near the base of the Atlas Mountains bore the brunt of the devastation. Morocco has suffered earthquakes in the past, but few in its history have been so powerful. This quake is Morocco’s deadliest since 1960 when an earthquake killed more than 12,000 people.
