Powerful earthquake hits Morocco, more than 2,100 dead

Africa, News September 10, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

A powerful earthquake of 6.8 magnitude jolted Morocco’s High Atlas Mountain range near Marrakesh and Casablanca. The earthquake was felt late at night on September 8, 2023, and resulted in at least 2,100 deaths and thousands injured as well as large-scale infrastructural damage.

According to local media outlets, 2,100 people have been confirmed dead while more than 2,400 are reported to be injured following the disaster. The earthquake proved to be extremely fatal due to the shallow depth of around 1.8 kilometers.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was located around 72 kilometers southwest of Marrakesh, a historically rich tourist destination and city of some 840,000 people. The rescuers are digging through the rubles in the remote mountainous terrain to find victims.

The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces has been tasked to head the rescue efforts. Authorities have warned people to pay close attention to the aftershocks. People have been spending their time on the streets all over the country in fear of aftershocks.

“The Royal Armed Forces, local authorities, security services, and civil protection continue to mobilize and harness all means and capabilities in order to intervene, provide the necessary assistance, and assess the damage,” Morocco’s interior ministry said in a statement.

Morocco earthquake — *^{Rescuers carry out a search operation following a powerful earthquake, in Amizmiz, Morocco, on September 9, 2023. (Image Credit: Reuters/Abdelhak Balhaki)}*

The USGS released an initial report stating that “earthquakes of this size in the region are uncommon, but not unexpected. Since 1900, there have been no earthquakes M6 (magnitude 6) and larger within 500 km of this earthquake, and only 9 M5 (magnitude 5) and larger earthquakes.”

Earthquakes of high magnitudes are uncommon in Morocco. The last such earthquake was recorded in 2004. Dubbed the al-Hoceima earthquake, the 6.3 magnitude disaster claimed more than 600 lives.

Damage in historic town

Tourists and residents have been posting videos on social media showing people screaming and evacuating the buildings shortly after the deadly earthquake was felt. In the old city of Marrakesh, a UNESCO World Heritage site, some residents were injured as buildings and city walls were damaged and partially collapsed.

A former imperial city with a history that dates back nearly 1,000 years, Marrakesh is tightly packed with medieval-era palaces, mosques, gardens, and bustling markets. Some parts of the historic red walls that surround Marrakesh’s old city center also crumbled. The Walls of Marrakesh were 12th century by the Almoravid dynasty.

Morocco earthquake destroyed historic city of Marrakech — *^{A general view of damage in the historic city of Marrakech, following a powerful earthquake in Morocco, on September 9, 2023. (Image Credit: Reuters/Abdelhak Balhaki)}*

World reaction

World leaders and international organizations have reacted to Morocco’s large-scale disaster with their messages of support and assurance of help. A UN spokesperson said, “The United Nations is ready to assist the government of Morocco in its efforts to assist the impacted population.”

U.S. President Joe Biden said he is “deeply saddened” following the disaster, while Turkish President Recep Erdogan, whose country experienced its own horrific earthquake earlier this year, said, “I convey my best wishes to all Moroccan people affected by the earthquake disaster in friendly and brotherly Morocco.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted condolences on social media, while the Indian Prime Minister, who was hosting the G20 Summit, said “India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.”