- A devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco late Friday, resulting in a tragic toll of 2,012 fatalities and 2,059 individuals injured.
- King Mohammed VI has taken swift action, deploying the army’s search and rescue teams, utilizing helicopters and drones to locate and save any potential survivors.
- The epicenter of the earthquake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, was situated in the Moroccan High Atlas Mountain range, approximately 46 miles southeast of Marrakech.
- The US Embassy in Morocco’s capital, Rabat, expressed its condolences to the victims and their families.
- Morocco officially announced a three-day period of national mourning.
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In the aftermath of Morocco’s most devastating earthquake in over 60 years, survivors found themselves gathered on the open expanse of the High Atlas Mountains on Saturday (9th September). The quake, which struck late Friday, claimed the lives of more than 2,000 individuals and left villages in ruins.
Powerful earthquake rocks central Morocco
According to the Interior Ministry, the grim tally stood at 2,012 lives lost and 2,059 individuals injured, with 1,404 in critical condition. The US Geological Survey reported the earthquake’s magnitude at 6.8, with an epicenter situated approximately 72 km (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech.
Neighbors tirelessly scoured the slopes, hoping to uncover survivors trapped beneath the rubble. Mud brick, stone, and rudimentary wooden houses lay shattered, and mosque minarets had crumbled due to the powerful quake. Even the historic old city of Marrakech bore the brunt of extensive damage.
However, the seismic tremors extended over a substantial distance, affecting areas as far as the capital city, Rabat, situated 350 kilometers away, in addition to urban centers like Casablanca, Agadir, and Essaouira.
As per the Interior Ministry’s reports, Al Haouz province has recorded the highest number of casualties, followed by Taroudant province. Although the historic city of Marrakesh, safeguarded by UNESCO, has endured significant damage, the loss of life there is relatively lower.
It is anticipated that numerous modest mud brick, stone, and timber homes in mountainous villages have collapsed, but assessing the full extent of the destruction in remote areas will require some time.
The Hit Zone
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the High Atlas Mountains, approximately 71 kilometers (44 miles) southwest of Marrakesh.
The casualties resulting from the earthquake were reported in Marrakesh and several areas to the south, as stated by the interior ministry. These affected regions include the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant.
Reports indicate that tremors from the earthquake were also experienced in the capital city of Rabat, which is about 350 kilometers away, as well as in the cities of Casablanca and Essaouira.
Additionally, the earthquake’s effects extended into neighboring Algeria, although officials there reported no damage or casualties as a result of the tremors.
Running for Shelter
Marrakech street cameras captured the unsettling moment when the earth quaked. Men reacted with surprise, glancing around and leaping to their feet, while others hastily sought refuge in narrow alleyways and then fled as dust and debris swirled around them.
Within the heart of the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a mosque minaret had tragically collapsed in Jemaa al-Fna Square. In the tightly packed old city, some houses had crumbled, compelling residents like Id Waaziz Hassan to use their bare hands to clear debris as they awaited heavy equipment.
Morocco officially announced a three-day period of national mourning, during which the national flag would be flown at half-staff across the entire country, as communicated by the royal court on Saturday (9th September).
Additionally, the Moroccan armed forces would mobilize rescue teams to provide affected areas with essential supplies, including clean drinking water, food, tents, and blankets, as stated in their announcement.
Significant damage
In Marrakech, the densely populated old city witnessed some houses collapsing in the aftermath of the earthquake. Residents, including Id Waaziz Hassan, took it upon themselves to manually clear debris while awaiting heavy machinery support. Footage of the medieval city wall revealed significant cracks in one section and fallen portions, with rubble strewn across the streets.
The quake’s impact extended beyond Marrakech. In Rabat, located approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles) north of Ighil, and in the coastal town of Imsouane, situated about 180 kilometers to the west, residents also evacuated their homes, fearing the possibility of a stronger quake.
The quake was felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere and Algeria’s Civil Defense agency, which oversees emergency response.
Leaders offer condolences to Morocco
World leaders have awakened to the news of the earthquake in Morocco this morning and are extending their condolences.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a condolence message sent to the Prime Minister of Morocco said, “We are deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake that hit the Atlas Mountains of Morocco last night, killing more than eight hundred people and injuring hundreds of people. On behalf of the people of Bangladesh, the government and individuals, I offer my deepest condolences for the loss of lives and destruction of property in this tragic incident. We seek forgiveness for the souls of those killed and we are with the bereaved family members and the people of Morocco in this moment of mourning. May Allah Almighty grant them strength and patience to bear the irreparable loss and speedy recovery of the injured.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his profound sorrow, stating that his country is prepared to provide immediate assistance.
President Vladimir Putin, in a statement from the Kremlin, has offered his condolences, emphasizing that Russia shares the grief and mourning of the friendly Moroccan people.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez conveyed his solidarity and support to the people of Morocco in the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, as shared on his social media platform, X.
Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also expressed condolences to the Moroccan people, pledging support from a nation that experienced a significant earthquake earlier this year.
Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky has shown solidarity with Morocco by conveying his heartfelt condolences.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his office to provide all necessary assistance to the Moroccan people, as per a press release from his office.
The African Union has expressed its profound sorrow over the tragic consequences of the earthquake and stands in solidarity with Morocco during this challenging time.
Morocco’s History of Earthquakes
The northern region of Morocco is prone to frequent earthquakes due to its location between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Reports from the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere and Algeria’s Civil Defense agency, responsible for emergency response, indicate that the earthquake’s impact was felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria.
The most recent significant earthquake in Morocco took place in 2004, resulting in the loss of more than 600 lives. This earthquake, commonly referred to as the Al Hoceima earthquake, occurred along an active plate boundary on the country’s northern coast, adjacent to the western Mediterranean Sea. It registered a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale.
A more powerful earthquake struck Morocco’s neighboring country, Algeria, in 1980. Known as the El Asnam earthquake, this seismic event had a magnitude of 7.3 and was the most potent earthquake the region had experienced in centuries.
The powerful magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Central Morocco serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable force of nature. In the midst of the ongoing challenges faced by its residents, the international community is rallying with support and expressions of sympathy for those affected. Comprehensive rescue missions, medical aid distribution, and initiatives aimed at ensuring the well-being of the impacted population are currently underway.
