7.2 magnitude earthquake in Morocco, death of 296 people

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An earthquake of magnitude 7.2 occurred in the African country of Morocco on Friday night. 296 people have died in it so far. However, the US Geological Survey reported that the magnitude of the earthquake was 6.8. This is the most powerful earthquake in the region in 120 years.

Moroccan state television reported that several buildings had collapsed due to the earthquake. Many videos related to the earthquake are rapidly going viral on social media, in which people are seen running away.

The epicenter of the earthquake is said to be a village called Ighil near the Atlas Mountains. Which is at a distance of 70 km from Marrakesh city. The depth of the earthquake was 18.5 km below the ground. The tremors were felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria.

The earthquake reduced buildings to rubble and dust. Parts of the red walls that attract tourists in historic Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were also damaged. According to the US Geological Survey, earthquakes are rare in North Africa. Earlier in 1960, an earthquake of magnitude 5.8 occurred near Agadir. Then thousands of people were killed.

Know how an earthquake occurs?
Our Earth’s surface is mainly composed of 7 major and several minor tectonic plates. These plates are constantly floating and sometimes collide with each other. Sometimes the corners of the plates bend due to collisions and when there is too much pressure these plates start to break. In such a situation, the energy from below finds its way out and this disturbance is followed by an earthquake. Due to this fault lines are formed in the ground.

Now know about three types of fault lines…

1. Reverse Fault- A part of the ground moves upwards during an earthquake.

2. Normal fault- In this fault a part of the ground moves downwards.

3. Strike Slip Fault- A piece of land slides forward or backward due to friction between tectonic plates.

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