President Serdar Berdimuhamedov today sent deep condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco in connection with the strong earthquake that occurred in the country, which led to numerous casualties, injuries and large-scale destruction, announced the “Watan” news program of Turkmen television.

The head of state also expressed, on behalf of the people, the Government of Turkmenistan and on his own behalf, words of sincere empathy and support at this difficult moment for the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to the victims.

An earthquake of magnitude 6,8 occurred at 23:11 local time on Friday. Its epicenter lay, according to various sources, at a depth of 11 km to 18 km in the Atlas Mountains, approximately 70 km south of Marrakesh. 19 minutes later there was another shock with a magnitude of 4,9. Tremors were also felt in the cities of Rabat, Casablanca, Essaouira, Meknes, Agadir and Fez.

According to the latest data from the Moroccan Ministry of Internal Affairs, 2012 people became victims of the earthquake. 2059 people were injured, of which 1404 were in critical condition. At the same time, according to experts, the death toll may increase, since rescuers are not yet able to reach hard-to-reach areas. The bulk of the casualties occurred in the city of Marrakech and five provinces near the epicenter of the tremors.

The earthquake was the strongest to hit Morocco in 120 years, and such natural disasters are relatively rare in North Africa.