Click to see full-size image. Via X.
A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco late on September 8, killing more than 600 people and damaging buildings in several cities.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said that quake struck in Morocco’s High Atlas mountain range shortly after 11 p.m. local time at the relatively shallow depth of 18.5 kilometers, USGS said, with the epicenter located about 72 kilometers southwest of the city of Marrakech.
This was the strongest earthquake to hit that part of the North African nation in more than a century, according to the USGS.
“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,” USGS said.
The agency predicted that “significant damage is likely and the disaster is potentially widespread”, noting that many people in the area reside in structures that are “highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking”.
The Moroccan Interior Ministry said that at least 632 people were killed, and 329 others were wounded, including 51 in critical condition.
Many spent the night on the streets in multiple cities fearful of aftershocks. Video footage showed large destruction in Marrakech, including in the city’s historic center. The city is a home for some 840,000 people and a popular tourist destination.The exact scale of the damage is yet to be known.
State-run Al Aoula TV reported that most deaths occurred in mountain areas close to the epicenter that were hard to reach.
Meanwhile, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces warned residents in all affected areas to pay close attention to aftershocks.
“We remind you of the need to exercise caution and take safety measures due to the risk of aftershocks,” the military wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Last February, more than 59,000 people were killed when a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Turkey as well as northern and western Syria. Despite receiving much support, the two countries have not recovered yet from the effects of the natural disaster.
King of Morocco Mohammed VI has already received condolences from several world leaders, including Russian President Vladmir Putin. Several countries, including Israel who normalized relations with the kingdom just three years ago, are reportedly preparing to send assistance and aid.
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