According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the earthquake was located 71 kilometers southwest of the famous tourist city of Marrakech, at a depth of 18.5 kilometers.

Late on Friday night, Morocco experienced a powerful earthquake. The intensity of this earthquake was measured at 6.8 on the Richter scale, according to Morocco’s Ministry of Interior. Due to this earthquake, at least 600 people have lost their lives, and hundreds are injured.Devastating Earthquake Strikes Morocco-Claiming Over 600 Lives, Cause of Earthquake, How save to earthquake.

According to the Ministry of Interior’s figures, a total of 632 people have lost their lives so far. Most of them are from the regions of Al-Haouz and Taroudant. Besides these regions, casualties have also been recorded in Morocco’s urban areas like Marrakech, Agadir, and Casablanca, as well as in the provinces of Ouarzazate, Chichaoua, Azilal, and Youssoufia. In these areas, 329 people have been reported injured, and 51 people are in critical condition.

Local media reports suggest that the death toll from the earthquake could increase further. Morocco’s agency responsible for monitoring earthquakes has described the intensity of the earthquake as being above 7 on the Richter scale. According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 71 kilometers southwest of the famous tourist city of Marrakech, at a depth of 18.5 kilometers. The tremors were felt around 11:11 PM local time. Shortly afterward, aftershocks of the earthquake were also felt in these areas, with a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale.

According to another media the epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) southeast of Marrakech, near the city of Oukaimeden in Morocco’s High Atlas mountain range. According to a report by Bloomberg, Morocco’s state television reported that several buildings have collapsed due to the earthquake.

According to Morocco’s Ministry of Interior, the most significant damage from this earthquake has occurred in the old neighborhoods outside the city. Many Moroccan citizens have shared videos and images on social media showing buildings turning into rubble after the earthquake, especially in Marrakech, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some tourists have also posted videos of people running and shouting for safety in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Some parts of the famous red walls surrounding the old city in Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have also been damaged. People in Morocco and tourists have posted videos on social media showing some buildings in ruins.

On Saturday morning, Morocco’s Ministry of Interior reported that at least 296 people had lost their lives due to the earthquake, and another 153 injured individuals were sent to hospitals for treatment. However, in the following hours, the number of casualties continued to rise.

Cause of earthquake

Earthquakes are typically caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust that results in seismic waves. There are several natural and human-induced factors that can trigger earthquakes:

Tectonic Plate Movements: The most common cause of earthquakes is the movement of tectonic plates. The Earth’s lithosphere (the outer layer of the Earth) is divided into several large and small plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. When these plates interact, they can either converge (move toward each other), diverge (move apart), or slide past each other. The boundaries where these interactions occur are known as plate boundaries. Earthquakes often happen at these boundaries due to the stress and pressure caused by the movement of plates. Subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, are particularly prone to strong earthquakes.

Volcanic Activity: Earthquakes can also be triggered by volcanic eruptions. The movement of magma within the Earth’s crust can create pressure, causing the surrounding rocks to fracture and generate seismic activity.

Faults: Faults are fractures or zones of weakness in the Earth’s crust where rocks on either side have moved relative to each other. Sudden movements along these faults can result in earthquakes. The point within the Earth where this movement occurs is called the focus or hypocenter, and the point directly above it on the Earth’s surface is the epicenter.

Human Activities: Certain human activities can induce seismic events, known as induced earthquakes. These activities include mining, reservoir-induced seismicity (caused by the filling of large reservoirs), hydraulic fracturing (fracking), and the injection or extraction of fluids into/from the Earth’s crust, such as in the disposal of wastewater from oil and gas production.

Isostatic Rebound: In some regions, earthquakes can be caused by the rebounding of the Earth’s crust after the melting of glaciers. As the weight of the ice is removed, the crust slowly rises, and this movement can result in seismic activity.

It’s important to note that while these are the common causes of earthquakes, the specific mechanisms can vary widely depending on the geological conditions of the region. Earthquakes can vary in magnitude from small, imperceptible tremors to catastrophic events that cause significant destruction and loss of life. Scientists study these events to better understand and predict earthquakes and mitigate their impact on society.

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How save to earthquake

Earthquakes can be unpredictable, but there are several safety measures you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones during and after an earthquake. Here are some important steps to follow:

Before an Earthquake:

Prepare an Emergency Kit: Have a disaster preparedness kit on hand that includes essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, blankets, and necessary medications. Make sure your kit is easily accessible.

Secure Your Home: Fasten heavy objects to the walls, secure bookshelves and cabinets, and ensure that any hazardous materials or chemicals are stored safely. Consider installing earthquake straps on water heaters.

Create an Emergency Plan: Discuss and practice an emergency plan with your family. Identify safe spots within your home and an outside meeting place. Make sure everyone knows how to turn off utilities like gas, water, and electricity.

During an Earthquake:

Drop, Cover, and Hold On: If you are indoors when an earthquake strikes, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture like a table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, glass, and heavy objects that may fall.

Stay Indoors: If you are indoors, stay there until the shaking stops. Moving during the shaking can be dangerous.

If You Are Outside: Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Find an open area and stay there until the shaking stops.

If You Are Driving: Pull over to a safe location, away from buildings, bridges, and overpasses. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

If You Are in Bed: Stay there and protect your head with a pillow. Do not get out of bed until the shaking stops.

After an Earthquake:

Check for Injuries: First, check yourself and those around you for injuries. Provide first aid as needed.

Assess Your Surroundings: Be cautious of aftershocks, which can follow the initial earthquake. Check your home for structural damage and hazards like gas leaks or fires.

Follow Local Authorities: Listen to emergency broadcasts and follow the instructions of local authorities. They will provide information on safety and emergency services.

Communicate Safely: Use text messages or social media to communicate with loved ones rather than making phone calls to avoid overloading the network.

Stay Informed: Stay informed about the situation and any potential tsunamis or other hazards in coastal areas if applicable.

Help Others: Assist neighbors and community members if they need help, especially those who are elderly, disabled, or vulnerable.

Use Emergency Services Sparingly: Only use emergency services for life-threatening situations. Local resources may be overwhelmed in the aftermath of a major earthquake.

Check on Gas and Utilities: If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas at the main valve, open windows, and leave the building. Do not turn on lights or use appliances until you are sure there are no gas leaks.