Photos of a Cat and a Dog Hugging Predates the 2023 Morocco Earthquake
The Claim
A photo shows a dog and a cat hugging after the 2023 Morocco earthquake.
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Emerging story
In the aftermath of the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco, social media users widely circulated a series of photos claiming to feature a cat hugging a dog after they survived the earthquake.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the viral photos and found the claim to be misleading.
A thorough reverse image search revealed the photos making the rounds to be older than claimed.
The Photos Were Taken in Turkey, Not Morocco
In contrast to the viral claim, the photos actually feature a cat embracing a dog following its survival in the earthquake that struck Turkey in February 2023.
An X user uploaded the photos on February 8, 2023. The caption accompanying the post reads, "My heart’s sinking seeing this. The cat hugging Dog after rescued May everyone lend help for Turkey."
Another X page published the same photos at the time with the same details.
Furthermore, an Instagram user shared the same series of photos on February 9 with the caption, "A cat hugs a dog after surviving the earthquake."
Turkey-Syria Earthquake
The recent earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6 have tragically resulted in a death toll exceeding 50,000 individuals, as reported by both countries' latest statistics.
In Turkey alone, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) stated that 44,218 lives were lost due to the earthquakes. In Syria, the most recent death toll stands at 5,914.
The initial earthquake, which occurred on February 6, had a magnitude of 7.7 and was followed shortly by another measuring 7.6. Since then, the region has experienced over 9,000 aftershocks, according to AFAD.
A significant force of nearly 240,000 rescue workers, including volunteers, remains tirelessly dedicated to their efforts across the 11 provinces in Turkey affected by the earthquakes. The impact of the earthquakes in Turkey has prompted the evacuation of nearly 530,000 individuals from the affected areas.
The Turkish government has reported that 173,000 buildings have been identified as either collapsed or severely damaged. The earthquake's reach extends to affect approximately 20 million people in Turkey, while the United Nations estimates that around 8.8 million individuals in Syria have been impacted by the disaster.
6.8-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Morocco
A devastating earthquake of 6.8 magnitude, the deadliest in decades, has struck central Morocco, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 1,000 lives. Rescue teams are tirelessly working to search for survivors amidst the rubble in remote mountainous areas.
The earthquake occurred in Morocco's High Atlas mountain range, reaching a relatively shallow depth of 18.5 kilometers (11.4 miles), according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was situated approximately 72 kilometers (44.7 miles) southwest of Marrakech.
Morocco's state TV channel, Al Aoula, reported that at least 1,037 people have lost their lives, with more than 700 others in critical condition, as confirmed by the interior ministry.
This earthquake marks the deadliest disaster in the country since 2004 when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the port city of Al Hoceima, claiming approximately 630 lives. The most devastating earthquake in modern Moroccan history occurred in 1960 near the western city of Agadir, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 12,000 lives.
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