MADRID – Last night a massive earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale struck southern Morocco. According to initial estimates, over 1,000 people were killed and 672 injured. The quake was felt as far north as Andalucia.
The Spanish government currently has no evidence that any Spanish nationals have been killed or injured. Acting Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed this. In a statement to journalists in New Delhi, where he is attending the G20 summit, he said the government has offered Moroccan authorities support for the rescue efforts and subsequent reconstruction. However, so far, no formal request for help has been received from Morocco, CadenaSER reports.
‘No evidence of Spanish deaths or injuries’
The minister explained that until noon on Saturday, and after contacting both the Spanish embassy and consulates in Morocco, there is no data on Spanish deaths or injuries. “We have no evidence of any deaths or injuries, I want to emphasise that at this time,” he said.
Spaniards in Morocco requested to contact Spanish Embassies
Minister Albares requested Spaniards who have been asked to visit Morocco to contact the telephone numbers of the Spanish Embassy in Morocco. In addition, he provided the following Spanish telephone number: 913791831.
Concerned calls to 112 Andalucia
The emergency telephone 112 Andalucia has processed more than twenty calls as a result of the major earthquake in Morocco. Although it took place between the cities of Marrakech and Agadir, it was also felt at several points in Andalucia. Reports from citizens came in in the provinces of Jaén, Huelva, Seville, Málaga and Córdoba. Furthermore, the National Geographic Institute confirmed that the quake was felt in these areas. Around a quarter past midnight, calls came from cities in Jaén, Huelva, Seville and Málaga, without any evidence of personal or property damage.
Earthquake felt in Gran Canaria
112 Canarias indicated this Saturday that it received a total of four calls during the night on the island of Gran Canaria from people reporting that they had felt a tremor as a result of the earthquake that occurred in Marrakech (Morocco). The calls came from the municipalities of Telde and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
What to do in the event of an earthquake?
In the event of earthquakes, 112 advises that it is best to stay where you are during the earthquake. Find strong structures for shelter. Hideaway under the frame of a door, next to a pillar, a main wall or in a corner. After the shock, leave the building as quickly as possible. Don´t use an elevator. Once outside, find a large open space due to the risk of possible aftershocks.
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