MEDI1TV Afrique : Midi infos - 09/09/2023
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00:00 We are still together, always together on Mediantv. Thank you for staying faithful to us.
00:17 Here are the headlines of your newspaper.
00:19 820 dead and 672 injured. This is the provisional report of the earthquake that shook Morocco yesterday. We are talking about it in the East Zone.
00:30 At the quake of magnitude 7, several regions were affected, but the earth shook especially in the province of Al-Hus, where the epicenter was recorded in the village of Iril.
00:43 On your royal instruction, the Royal Armed Forces are mobilizing. The operation to move aid to the affected areas is also underway.
00:56 We start this edition with this violent earthquake that hit Morocco yesterday, magnitude 7 earthquake. The latest report states 820 dead and 672 injured, including 205 in a serious condition.
01:17 Several regions were affected, but the earth shook especially in the province of Al-Hus, where the epicenter was recorded in the village of Iril.
01:26 The night was also long on the side of Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Azila, Chichawa and Taroudante, cities that were not spared by the quakes.
01:36 I remind you that the provisional report of this earthquake states 820 dead and 672 injured.
01:46 In the province of Al-Hus, the authorities have reported 394 deaths, 271 in Taroudante. In Chichawa, the authorities also reported 91 deaths, 31 in Ouarzazate, 13 in Marrakech, 11 in Azila, 5 in Agadir, 3 in Casablanca and 1 in Yousoufia.
02:15 Immediately after the first aid on high instructions of the King Mohammed VI, Supreme Leader and Chief of Staff of the Royal Armed Forces,
02:27 we deployed emergency human and logistical resources, as well as specialized intervention modules based on research and rescue teams,
02:39 and specialized logistics for the local areas, in order to provide support to the affected areas and the affected populations.
03:01 We are live with Taufik Mourabit, seismologist in Tangier. Hello, thank you for accepting our invitation.
03:13 Hello and thank you.
03:16 The first question, the earthquake that struck the Al-Hus region, with a magnitude of 7 on the Richter scale, does this number surprise you?
03:28 Yes, indeed. But before going any further, I would like to express my condolences to the Moroccan people and their victims.
03:40 Indeed, this earthquake of magnitude 7 is a surprise for geologists and seismologists,
03:49 because we are used to seeing in this region a seismic activity that is weak to moderate, with earthquakes that do not usually exceed 5 magnitude on the entire Al-Hutatla scale.
04:05 So, with this earthquake of magnitude 7, we are indeed surprised, but it is understandable, of course, because the region, the Al-Hutatla,
04:16 is a mountain range that is formed by compression, due to the rapprochement between the African and European plate.
04:26 So, this rapprochement accumulates energy in the earth's crust, which is stored over time.
04:36 We were used to seeing smaller earthquakes, because, indeed, they are dispersed, this energy is accumulated,
04:44 and normally dispersed on a large number of scales, a large number of cracks, all along the Atlantic chain.
04:52 So, we were not used to seeing a huge release of energy, a huge storage, like this time.
05:03 So, this magnitude was indeed unpredictable.
05:07 So, if I follow you, El House is not a high-risk seismic zone, is it?
05:14 Indeed, in the Moroccan Paraseismic Regulation, this zone is not classified as among the most risky areas,
05:25 like the Agadir region or the Fousseima region.
05:28 It was an average region.
05:30 There was seismic activity, there was continuous seismic activity, all along the Atlantic chain and around,
05:37 but it never exceeded the magnitude of 5.
05:44 So, it is surprising to have this magnitude, this size, because it is really very, very strong for the Moroccan region.
05:53 In any case, the earthquake struck at a depth of about 20 km.
05:59 Can you explain to us what this implies?
06:03 The depth of about 20 km is a low depth, which means that a very large part of the energy will quickly reach the surface and touch the surface.
06:19 And besides, when we see the area affected by this earthquake, where there was damage and where people felt it, it is a very large region.
06:33 You have the city of Marrakech, Agadir, Ouarzazate, Casablanca, Saouira, Jadida.
06:40 So, it is a large area, and even there are some people who felt slight movements at sea.
06:49 So, it shows the magnitude and the magnitude of this unusual magnitude in this region.
06:57 So, it is not a huge depth in other regions of the world, for example in Chile, etc.
07:06 The depths are generally several hundred kilometers, or even more than 100, 200, etc.
07:14 So, the energy released at the level of the home usually dissipates before reaching the surface.
07:21 Here, we are at 20 km, and it is superficial, so the energy arrives in large parts, in large proportions, to the surface.
07:32 And as a consequence, it causes significant damage.
07:36 A magnitude 7 earthquake, you said it, is powerful.
07:40 Does such a force of impact involve new replicas?
07:44 Should we be vigilant during the next hours, and even the next days?
07:50 Certainly, we must be careful, for several reasons.
07:59 First, because generally after an earthquake of this size, there are replicas.
08:05 Replicas that can spread over several weeks, or even several months.
08:09 It depends on the geological region.
08:11 But here, in principle, in the region of the High Atlas, unlike the Rift Valley, this period is generally short.
08:18 So, let's say a few weeks, a maximum of two months, three months, and the replicas will stop.
08:24 But these are replicas of magnitude much lower than the main earthquake.
08:30 So, that's one thing.
08:32 On the other hand, we must not forget that the buildings, the homes, everywhere in the affected region,
08:41 are now more vulnerable because they have received a hard blow because of the first earthquake.
08:48 As a result, there are cracks, there are weaknesses in the walls, in the buildings, etc.
08:54 We must be careful, so we must wait for this crisis to pass before we can regain the houses.
09:03 Justly, Taufik Mourabit, after such a disaster, you said we must be vigilant.
09:10 According to you, what is the right approach to take in the face of such a situation?
09:15 First of all, the information must circulate very well among the entire population.
09:23 They must be aware of the extent of the crisis and, on the other hand,
09:30 of the recommendations that must be followed to remain vigilant and to minimize the risk,
09:40 that is, the risks of earthquakes.
09:43 On the one hand, when the building is clearly affected by cracks, etc.,
09:49 we must not get close.
09:51 When the building always appears intact with very small cracks,
09:59 we must wait a few days before settling down normally
10:04 because we never know, a replica that is 5 or something like that could damage it.
10:13 We must stay away from buildings that are affected,
10:17 especially buildings that are built with clay, stone, etc.
10:24 The masonry is traditional.
10:26 In the old cities, the vulnerability of buildings is now important,
10:35 so we must stay away from these buildings.
10:38 We must follow the information and instructions of the authorities concerned.
10:46 Taufik Mourabit, who therefore calls for vigilance.
10:50 Taufik Mourabit, the seismic activity in Morocco is widespread and irregular,
10:55 thanks to the development of technology and science today.
10:59 Can we predict a seismic event?
11:01 Excuse me, I did not hear the question.
11:06 Today, thanks to the development of technology and science, can we predict a seismic event?
11:13 In Morocco, of course, the CNRST, the Geophysical Institute,
11:21 is a laboratory, an institute whose National Center for Scientific and Technical Research
11:27 is very well equipped with measuring instruments,
11:31 that is, seismic stations scattered throughout the national territory.
11:35 So there is a follow-up, a continuous vigilance of seismic activity.
11:42 So, with the data collected, with the knowledge acquired in this field, can we predict?
11:52 Obviously, from a scientific point of view, it is always impossible to predict an earthquake
11:59 in good and strong terms, as we can say, that is, to predict the place, magnitude and time.
12:07 It remains very difficult, but from a geological point of view,
12:12 when we look at the ancient, instrumental and historical seismic activity,
12:16 we can classify, moreover, the paraseismic regulation,
12:19 which classifies the Moroccan territory in several areas,
12:23 each area with a more or less high risk,
12:26 and these are the instructions that must be taken into account for new constructions.
12:35 A general rule from a seismic activity point of view,
12:38 you see, it is nature, it is like that,
12:41 where there was an earthquake, there is always the possibility,
12:45 there will certainly be another earthquake in that region,
12:49 because it is geological nature.
12:52 We cannot know with exactitude the time,
12:55 but we can generally calculate or estimate
13:01 the return period of certain earthquakes, very important.
13:06 It varies from one region to another, but for the Upper Atlas,
13:10 practically, currently, we cannot predict or give a period of reply, nothing at all.
13:17 So we follow, we study, we try with studies to better understand geology,
13:23 seismic activity, to refine more the paraseismic regulation,
13:28 so that, of course, the population, including the authorities and the ordinary citizen,
13:35 contributes to the decrease of seismic risk in our country.
13:41 Perfect, my Rabbi, thank you, thank you for answering our questions.
13:45 I remind you that you are a seismologist and that you were live from the city of Detroit with us. Thank you.
13:53 In the Kingdom, the night was long. In several cities affected by the earthquake,
13:58 people found themselves, for example, in parks,
14:02 returning to these moments of panic, on this night when the earth shook in the Kingdom with the Jalil Sun.
14:08 Panic winds in several cities in the Kingdom.
14:17 At 11.10 pm, the earth shook, pushing several people to leave their homes,
14:21 fearing a more violent reply.
14:23 It is the most powerful earthquake to hit the Kingdom to date.
14:27 At least 632 people died in this powerful earthquake, which caused enormous damage,
14:32 sowing panic in Marrakech and several other cities, according to a provisional official report.
14:37 National Center for Scientific and Technical Research, the CNRST,
14:41 Bazaar Abba, indicated that the earthquake was of a magnitude of 7 degrees on the Richter scale
14:46 and that its epicenter was located in the province of La House, southwest of the city of Ocre.
14:51 In addition to Marrakech, the earthquake was felt in Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir and Essaouira.
14:56 This led to panic among the population.
14:58 Many people went out into the streets of these cities, fearing the collapse of their homes.
15:03 The Regional Blood Transfusion Center in Marrakech called on the inhabitants to go to their homes on Saturdays
15:09 to donate their blood to the injured.
15:11 As a reminder, on February 24, 2004, a 6.3-degree earthquake on the Richter scale
15:17 shook the province of Al-Husayma, 400 km northeast of Rabat,
15:21 causing 628 deaths and significant material damage.
15:25 On February 29, 1960, an earthquake destroyed Agadir on the west coast of the country
15:31 and caused more than 12,000 deaths, a third of the city's population.
15:36 In addition to Marrakech, the earthquake was felt in Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir and Essaouira.
15:44 This led to panic among the population.
15:46 Many people went out into the streets of these cities, fearing the collapse of their homes.
15:53 According to images we saw circulating on social media, photos and videos published by Internet users,
16:01 we could see significant damage to homes in the streets of Medina, Marrakech,
16:08 but also cars crushed by stones.
16:12 Meanwhile, the operation to move aid to areas affected by the earthquake continues.
16:23 At the civil protection depot in Al-Ajjat, seven trucks loaded with fire-fighting equipment
16:32 were mobilized to bring aid to the population of the affected areas.
16:38 This morning, a fire-fighting team also took part in the operation,
16:42 without delay, to load the trailers for the people affected by the earthquake.
16:48 In addition to Al-Ajjat civil protection, other civil protection teams from several regions of the Kingdom
16:55 are currently working to bring aid and assistance to the affected areas.
17:00 In this context, the calls for blood donations are multiplying.
17:08 I remind you that in hospitals, there are more than 600 injured, of which hundreds are seriously injured.
17:14 The Marrakech Regional Blood Transfusion Center is calling on all citizens
17:21 to go to these facilities to donate blood.
17:27 As we speak, a large-scale mobilization is being observed at several Marrakech health institutions,
17:35 like the Mohamed VI Hospital to provide the necessary care for the injured.
17:42 Following this earthquake, support for Morocco is multiplying.
17:49 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences to the Moroccan people
17:55 and the support of Turkey.
17:57 Turkey was also affected in February by a devastating earthquake.
18:01 According to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey is ready, as always,
18:05 to provide any kind of support to help the injured in Morocco.
18:11 Another reaction is that of the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez,
18:16 who expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the earthquake,
18:21 which caused more than 800 deaths in Morocco.
18:24 Spain is on the side of the victims of this tragedy and their families.
18:29 Spain has proposed sending a rescue worker to Morocco,
18:35 as has the Spanish Foreign Minister, Emmanuel Alvarez.
18:39 We are all upset after the terrible earthquake in Morocco.
18:46 These are the words of Emmanuel Macron, the French President, who also proposed the aid of France.
18:52 France is ready to help the first aid, he said on social media during his flight for the G20 in New Delhi.
19:02 On his side, the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu,
19:08 asked all the ministries and forces of the country to help the Moroccan people as much as possible,
19:14 and this by preparing to send a delegation of aid to the region.
19:19 The Minister of Defence, Afghanistan, also announced that he had asked Atsahel
19:25 and the Ministry of Defence to prepare immediately to provide Morocco with emergency aid
19:32 through rescue units from the Interior Front Command.
19:38 The President of the African Union Commission, Moussa Fakim Hamad,
19:43 also expressed his great pain this morning and presented his condolences to King Mohammed VI
19:50 and the people of Morocco after the earthquake, which cost the lives of more than 800 people in the kingdom.
19:58 This concludes our report. Thank you for watching.
20:08 We will now take a short break and we will be back in a few moments.
20:11 For more information, visit www.fema.gov
20:16 For more information, visit www.fema.gov
20:23 (dramatic music)