There were no reports of Filipinos killed or injured in the powerful earthquake that hit Morocco last Sept 8, the Philippine Embassy in Morocco said on Saturday night.
Moroccan Royal Armed Forces evacuate a body from a house destroyed in an earthquake in the mountain village of Tafeghaghte, southwest of the city of Marrakesh, on September 9, 2023. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP)
The 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck late at 11:11 p.m. Friday in a mountainous area 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of the tourist city of Marrakesh, the United States Geological Survey reported.
The strong quake damaged many buildings from villages and towns in the Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh, sending terrified residents and tourists scrambling to safety.
Tremors were likewise felt in the coastal cities Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira apart from the remote mountainous areas.
“There have been no reports of Filipinos injured in the earthquake,” said a situation bulletin posted by the embassy on Facebook.
The Philippine Embassy in Morocco added it is in “contact with the Filipino community and continues to monitor the situation.”
Latest figures from the Moroccan Interior Ministry as of late Saturday night showed the quake killed at least 2,012 people, the vast majority in Al-Haouz, the epicenter, and Taroudant provinces.
The ministry said another 2,059 people were injured, including 1,404 in a critical condition.
Among the recorded deaths were in Ouarzazate, Chichaoua, Azilal and Youssoufia provinces, as well as in Marrakesh, Agadir and the Casablanca area.
In its post, the embassy advised Filipinos in Morocco to remain calm and alert for any aftershocks that may occur. They were also told to monitor local news, and be aware of local emergency numbers in their respective communities.
For emergencies, the embassy said it may be contacted through the following:
Philippine Embassy in Rabat, Morocco
ATN Hotline (Mobile/Whatsapp): +212 694202178
FB Messenger: @PHinMorocco