Over 1,000 people have now been confirmed dead after the powerful earthquake that shook Morocco late on Friday evening. The earthquake is the largest to hit the country in 120 years, and the consequences have been catastrophic in some places.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has ordered the country’s armed forces to mobilize assets, both in the air and on the ground, according to AFP.
“Positions danger to local population and rescue forces”
The risk of aftershocks is imminent, something that worries the authorities in the country. Björn Lund, seismologist at Uppsala University, says that recently up to 18 aftershocks greater than magnitude 3 have been measured after the earthquake.
– That means a big risk. They do not always occur exactly where the mainshock is strongest. Buildings that have only been damaged are at risk of collapsing when there is an aftershock. It poses a danger to both the local population and the rescue forces, he tells TV4 Nyheterna.
He says the aftershocks will hit Morocco for a few weeks to come.
– They will probably continue for another three or four weeks, at least. Even if they become fewer over time, it may be that there will be a relatively large earthquake, he says.
Billström: “Terrible”
Countries from all over the world have offered to help during the rescue work. The Moroccan government has not yet formally asked for help, which is required for outside rescue personnel to be deployed, writes AFP.
Despite that, several countries are getting ready to send aid. One of the countries is Sweden.
“Sweden is prepared to assist in the immediate work via MSB and the EU’s crisis preparedness if Morocco so wishes. In that case, a request must be made via the EU or the UN,” says Foreign Minister Tobias Billström (M) in a written comment to TV4 Nyheterna.
“Readiness to assist also exists if the issue comes up bilaterally in talks with Morocco”.
The foreign minister also expresses sadness when commenting on the earthquake.
“It is terrible news from Morocco and I regret the loss of life and wish a speedy recovery for the injured,” says Tobias Billström.