Concerns Over Expanding Damage from Morocco Earthquake... USGS Raises 'Red Alert' Level

Buildings in Affected Areas Vulnerable to External Shocks... Risk of Increased Human and Economic Damage

More than 2,000 deaths have been reported due to a strong earthquake in Morocco, located in northwest Africa, and there are claims that the scale of human and economic damage in the affected area could be larger than expected.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) released a report on the 10th (local time) adjusting both the estimated human casualties and economic impact in the affected area to a "red alert." Immediately after the earthquake, the human casualty level was announced as a "yellow alert," two levels lower, and the economic damage was announced as an "orange alert," one level higher, but the estimates were revised upward, indicating that the damage could be greater.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

USGS assessed that there is a 35% probability that the death toll from this disaster could be between 1,000 and 10,000, which is the highest likelihood. The probability of 10,000 to 100,000 deaths is 21%, and the chance of more than 100,000 deaths is expected to be 6%. Economically, there is a 37% chance that damages will range from 1 billion to 10 billion dollars, which is the highest probability. Damages between 10 billion and 100 billion dollars are expected at 24%, and over 100 billion dollars at 7%.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

USGS explained, "The population in this area lives in structures that are highly vulnerable to earthquakes," adding, "These types of buildings are made of adobe (clay mixed with straw used to make bricks) bricks and unreinforced mud bricks." They also noted, "There could be many casualties and extensive damage," emphasizing that "international response efforts are necessary."

Morocco suffered damage from a magnitude 6.8 earthquake that occurred around 11:11 PM on the 8th, approximately 72 km southwest of Marrakech. USGS evaluated this earthquake as the largest magnitude earthquake in Morocco in over 120 years. Morocco's state broadcaster reported that the death toll from the earthquake has risen to 2,012, with 2,059 injured.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.