Photo courtesy of Faruk Toklosglu via Pexels. Thousands of casualties resulted from the earthquake as search and rescue efforts are continuing.
Jendayi Leben-Martin ’24
Global Editor
Content warning: This article discusses mass death.
On Sept. 8, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco, killing thousands in the Al Haouz, Ouarzazate and Marrakech provinces, NBC News reported. Marrakech is the country’s most visited tourist attraction and home to a UNESCO World Heritage site. Video footage shared by NBC News showed people evacuating city establishments and attempting to find safety from crumbling buildings.
According to NBC News, Morocco observed an official three-day period of mourning following the earthquake to acknowledge the large death toll. As of Sept. 22, the British Red Cross has reported 3,000 people dead.
According to CNN, while the earthquake’s epicenter was in the High Atlas mountain range — 72 kilometers (44.7 miles) from Marrakech — the impact of the earthquake was felt as far as Casablanca, a city 244.8 kilometers (152.1 miles) north of Marrakech.
The total damage resulting from the earthquake is due to its strong 6.8 magnitude and because it struck somewhat closer to the earth’s surface, causing it to be more destructive. This is the most deadly earthquake in Morocco since 1960, which killed over 12,000 people.
After being made aware of the earthquake and advised by government officials, King Mohammed VI ordered potable water, food, tents and other supplies to be distributed to those affected. He also directed search and rescue efforts to find any people who may be trapped under the rubble, reported NBC News.
While the totality of the destruction is still being uncovered, the most significant damage happened in Al Haouz, where 1,500 people had died as of Sept. 11. Eyewitnesses who spoke to CNN explained that many smaller villages were hit hardest and that in some areas, homes have been completely destroyed. Rescue efforts to these areas have proven complicated because damage from the earthquake makes them difficult to access.