Powerful Earthquake Strikes Morocco, Leaving Hundreds Dead and Buildings Damaged
A powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, causing widespread devastation and claiming the lives of at least 820 people. The quake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, also left over 670 others injured and caused significant damage to buildings and historic landmarks in major cities, according to Morocco’s interior ministry.
One of the affected sites is the famous 12th century Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, which suffered damage though the full extent is yet to be determined. Videos shared by Moroccans showed buildings reduced to rubble and dust, as well as parts of the iconic red walls surrounding the old city in Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, severely damaged. Shocking footage also captured the panic and chaos as people evacuated restaurants and sought safety amid the earthquake’s fury.
Reports on the extent of damage and casualties are still emerging, with the aftermath of the earthquake expected to be assessed in the coming days. Earthquakes that strike during nighttime often make it difficult to gauge the full impact immediately.
One eyewitness, Abdelhak El Amrani, shared his experience during the quake, stating, “We felt a very violent tremor, and I realised it was an earthquake. I could see buildings moving. We don’t necessarily have the reflexes for this type of situation. Then I went outside and there were a lot of people there. People were all in shock and panic. The children were crying and the parents were distraught.”
Fearing aftershocks and further structural damage, residents chose to stay outside rather than return to their buildings. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 for the earthquake, with shaking lasting for several seconds. A magnitude-4.9 aftershock was reported to have hit 19 minutes later.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located high in the Atlas Mountains, approximately 43.5 miles southwest of Marrakech. It was also near Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, and Oukaimeden, a popular Moroccan ski resort. Though there are variations in the initial measurements, both the U.S. agency and Morocco’s National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network confirmed the quake’s significance. The tremors were felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria.
This earthquake is considered one of Morocco’s strongest in years. In 2004, a deadly quake struck Al Hoceima in northeastern Morocco, claiming the lives of at least 628 people and injuring 926 others. In neighboring Algeria, the 1980 7.3-magnitude El Asnam earthquake was one of the most destructive in recent history, killing 2,500 people and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.
As Morocco begins to assess the damage and initiate rescue efforts, the nation mourns the loss of life and the impact of this tragic event.