2023 Morocco Earthquake
On Friday, September 8, a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco. The deadly earthquake's epicenter was located in the High Atlas mountain range, about 45 miles southwest of Marrakech, a city of 840,000 people.
As of September 13, nearly 2,900 people have been reported dead, and hundreds more injured, we fear the death toll will rise with many trapped in rubble and in hard-to-reach areas of south Marrakech.
Mariam Mzoughi , Save the Children North Africa representative, said: "It’s heartbreaking to hear of the events of last night and we know that this disaster will pose significant threats to the safety of children and their families across the country.
We are currently monitoring the situation closely and reaching out to agencies on the ground to see what support may be possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected."
Morocco Earthquake: What You Need to Know
How strong was the earthquake that struck Morocco?
The earthquake was the strongest in more than 100 years to strike the Atlas Mountains, about 50 miles from Morocco’s city of Marrakech.
When and where did the earthquake hit Morocco?
On Friday, September 8, an earthquake struck at around 11.11 p.m. local time. Its epicenter was located in the High Atlas mountain range, about 45 miles southwest of Marrakech, a city of about 840,000 people.
What is the scale of damage from the earthquake thus far?
The scale of the earthquake’s devastation is still becoming clear, as those in isolated villages have been most badly hit.
Sadly, reports confirm that almost all of the homes in an area of the village of Asni are damaged.
The latest death toll from the earthquake is estimated to be more than 2,900 people.
And more than 300,000 people have been affected in Marrakech and surrounding areas, according to the WHO.
What is the potential long-term impact of the earthquake?
The economic impact of the earthquakes that ripped through southern Türkiye and northern Syria threatens to push at least another 665,000 Syrians into hunger, with doctors and aid agencies warning that levels of child stunting and maternal malnutrition are reaching levels never seen before.
The US Geological Survey warns of severe potential economic losses from the Morocco earthquake's "extensive damage."
What are the challenges faced by rescue teams in the aftermath of this earthquake?
Rescue efforts to send supplies and search teams to those hard-hit areas of the Morocco earthquake have been met with challenges due to blocked or damaged roads.
Recovery efforts have also been impacted by aftershocks that can lead to further death and devastation, as was the case with the tragic Syria and Türkiye earthquakes.
