On Friday night, a powerful magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Morocco, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of over 1,000 people. This is the largest tremor to hit the country in at least 120 years, and officials expect the death toll to rise as rescuers reach remote affected areas.[0]
The earthquake occurred just after 11 p.m. local time, with its epicenter in the High Atlas mountains, near the populous city of Marrakesh.[1] The impact of the quake was felt as far away as Spain and Portugal, with millions in Morocco experiencing the intense shaking and destruction. Several aftershocks have also been reported in the area.[2]
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.8 on the moment magnitude scale (MMS), placing it in the ‘strong' category.[3] The depth of the quake was initially reported at 18km but later revised to 26km. The shallow depth of the earthquake, occurring just 11 miles beneath the surface, likely contributed to the significant damage and loss of life.
The historic city of Marrakesh, known for its ancient structures and UNESCO World Heritage sites, suffered extensive damage. Buildings collapsed in the old city, and the renowned Koutoubia Mosque, constructed in the 12th century, was also affected.[4] The mosque's minaret, often referred to as the “roof of Marrakech,” and parts of the iconic red walls surrounding the old city were damaged.[4]
Rescue efforts are underway to search for survivors and recover the bodies of the deceased. Civilian rescuers and members of Morocco's armed forces are combing through the ruins, particularly in remote areas of the Atlas Mountains.[5] Despite the ongoing rescue operations, the death toll is expected to rise as more affected areas are reached.[0]
Morocco has experienced earthquakes in the past due to its location along the fault lines of the European and African tectonic plates.[6] However, earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively rare in the country. The last major earthquake to hit Morocco was in 2004, with a magnitude of 6.5.
The devastation caused by this earthquake highlights the need for preparedness and robust infrastructure to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters. As tectonic plates continue to shift and collide, it is crucial for countries to prioritize earthquake-resistant construction and emergency response systems.
In the wake of this tragedy, the international community has expressed condolences and offered assistance to Morocco. The focus now remains on supporting the rescue efforts, providing aid to those affected, and rebuilding the affected areas. It will be a long and challenging journey for Morocco to recover from this devastating earthquake, but with the support of the global community, the country will be able to rebuild and heal.
0. “Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria: What we know — and don’t know — about earthquakes” Vox.com, 21 Sep. 2017, https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/9/21/16339522/earthquakes-morocco-turkey-syria-explained-science
1. “Search for the missing continues as Morocco reels from powerful quake” Al Jazeera English, 11 Sep. 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/10/search-for-the-missing-continues-as-morocco-reels-from-tragic-quake
2. “The Trauma Morocco Faces” The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2023, https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2023/09/morocco-earthquake-natural-disaster-trauma/675276/
3. “Islamic Relief launches £10 million appeal to help Morocco earthquake survivors” Islamic Relief Worldwide, 9 Sep. 2023, https://islamic-relief.org/news/powerful-earthquake-kills-hundreds-in-moroccos-high-atlas-region
4. “Why do earthquakes happen?” DW, 10 Sep. 2023, https://www.dw.com/en/why-do-earthquakes-happen/a-66766929
5. “Moroccan rescue teams search for earthquake victims in the Atlas Mountains” NPR, 10 Sep. 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/09/10/1198679975/moroccan-rescue-teams-face-challenges-in-reaching-earthquake-victims-in-the-moun
6. “Morocco earthquake kills more than 1000” NPR, 9 Sep. 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/09/09/1198656890/morocco-earthquake-kills-more-than-1-000
