Morocco: Earthquake - Sep 2023

On 8 September 2023 at 22.11 UTC powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Morocco at 18.5 km depth. The epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) south-west of Marrakesh. Marrakesh, with a population of 840,000 inhabitants is most impacted city. According to media, several houses have collapsed and other building were reported with structural damage. The epicentral area is not densely populated. As of 12:00 am, according to national media, the death toll has reached at least 820 and this figure is likely to increase over the day. The ERCC activated Copernicus satellite mapping service and Aristotle emergency reporting.(ECHO, 9 Sep 2023)

Following the magnitude-6.8 earthquake that hit the Kingdom of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountain range on 8 September, a total of 2,122 people are reported to have lost their lives; the vast majority in Al-Haouz, the epicenter, and Taroudant provinces. Another 2,421 individuals are reported as injured. Initial assessments indicate that WASH, shelter, health, and food assistance are required. Several aftershocks have been reported, families still trapped under the rubble of their homes, road blockages and difficult geographic conditions remain challenging to conduct search and rescue interventions. Many residents sought refuge outdoors, fearing additional seismic activity and enduring unsettling aftershocks. (OCHA, 10 Sep 2023)

After the 6.8 M earthquake of 8 September in Al Haouz Province, the number of casualties is increasing. According to the national authorities, 2,946 people died while the amount of injured people reached 5,674. The Government of Morocco is conducting the emergency response, in addition, the UN continues close communication with the national authorities.(ECHO, 14 Sep 2023)