9-9-2023 (MARRAKECH) Late Friday night, a devastating earthquake shook Morocco, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives and causing extensive damage to buildings and historic landmarks in major cities. The Moroccan Interior Ministry confirmed early Saturday that the quake had claimed at least 296 lives in the provinces near the epicenter, with an additional 153 people sustaining injuries and being rushed to hospitals for treatment. The ministry further stated that the majority of the destruction occurred outside urban areas.
Heart-wrenching videos shared by Moroccans depicted buildings reduced to piles of rubble and clouds of dust. The iconic red walls encircling Marrakech’s historic old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were also significantly damaged. Tourists and locals captured scenes of panic and chaos as people hurriedly evacuated restaurants while the pulsating beats of club music echoed through the city.
In the aftermath of such earthquakes, it often takes time for comprehensive reports on the extent of damage and casualties to emerge, particularly when the event occurs during the late hours of the night. Many residents, fearing aftershocks and further tremors, chose to remain outdoors rather than return to their vulnerable concrete structures.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake initially registered a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it struck at precisely 11:11 p.m. (2211 GMT), with the tremors lasting several seconds. However, Morocco’s National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network measured the quake at a magnitude of 7 on the Richter scale. The USGS reported a magnitude-4.9 aftershock occurring 19 minutes later.
Discrepancies in early measurements are not uncommon, but regardless of the precise magnitude, this earthquake stands as the strongest to hit Morocco in recent years. Although earthquakes are relatively infrequent in North Africa, a magnitude 5.8 tremor near Agadir in 1960 claimed the lives of thousands.
⚡️At least 296 people died from the 7 magnitude earthquake in Morocco. pic.twitter.com/zwV5P5Ic5G
— Ahmed Shamia ???????? (@Ahmedwsh95) September 9, 2023
The epicenter of Friday’s earthquake was situated high in the Atlas Mountains, approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) south of Marrakech. It was also in close proximity to Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak, and Oukaimeden, a popular Moroccan ski resort.
According to the USGS, the epicenter was located 18 kilometers (11 miles) beneath the Earth’s surface, while Morocco’s seismic agency estimated it to be at a depth of 8 kilometers (5 miles).
As of early Saturday, Moroccan officials and MAP, the country’s official news agency, had not released any specific information regarding casualties or the extent of damages. Typically, the government utilizes the news agency to disseminate important updates to the public.
The impact of the earthquake reverberated far beyond Morocco’s borders, with reports indicating that tremors were felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere and Algeria’s Civil Defense agency, responsible for emergency response, confirmed the seismic activity in their respective regions.
