Quake Death Climbs to 226, 120 wounded
Morocco, Local, 2/24/2004

At least 226 people died and 120 others were wounded in the tremor, measuring 6 degrees on the Richter scale, that rocked on Tuesday at 2.30 am the northern region of Al-Hoceima (more than 440 km northeast of Rabat), according to the still-provisional death toll.

The death toll has been rapidly climbing since the tremor occurred this Tuesday at 2.30 am from 40 casualties reported at 8.30 (gmt) to 82 at around 11.00 am and 226 now.

The casualties figure is rising as more victims are unearthed by rescue teams who arrived to the remote and mountainous villages and hamlets.

The tremor epicenter was located in the locality of Ait Kamra (region of Al Hoceima).

The quake, which occurred at 2.30 am was also felt in neighboring regions.

King Mohammed VI gave instructions to mobilize considerable human and material means to help the populations and rescue survivors.

The royal armed forces (army), gendarmerie, navy, civil rescue, auxiliary forces are working on site. Copters and other equipment were dispatched to the region to bring assistance to the quake-stricken populations. The Mohammed V solidarity foundation is also taking part in the rescue operations.

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