Developing Story: Powerful Earthquake Strikes Morocco's High Atlas Mountains

Latest Updates

8:14 pm At least 1037 people confirmed to have died so far, most in remote mountainous areas

- Death toll expected to rise further

12:00 PMBREAKING: 🇲🇦 Morocco earthquake death toll rises to at least 632

Update 1: M 6.8 - #Morocco
22:11, September 08,2023(UTC),
07:11, September 09,2023(JST),
Earthquake
Magnitude:6.8
Depth:18.5km
31.110°N
08.440°W

Update 2: 6.8 scale #earthquake then 4.9 aftershock hit #Morocco late Friday, #Marrakech, #Casablanca, #Rabat affected. Reports early Saturday morning: 296 confirmed dead and min. 153 injured. Most fatalities expected in #AlHaouz province south of Marrakech.

A powerful earthquake struck Morocco’s High Atlas mountains late on Friday, resulting in a devastating loss of life. At least 296 people have been reported dead, and 153 others have sustained injuries. The earthquake wreaked havoc, destroying buildings and causing residents of major cities to flee their homes.

The Interior Ministry has declared the current death toll as preliminary, while a local official has indicated that most of the casualties occurred in remote mountain areas that are difficult to access.

In Marrakech, the nearest major city to the epicenter, some buildings, including those in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the old city, have collapsed. Local television broadcasts images of a fallen mosque minaret amidst rubble, lying on smashed cars. The situation remains dire as emergency services rush to respond to the catastrophe.

The earthquake's impact extends beyond Marrakech. Pan-Arab al-Arabiya news channel reports that five people from a single family have tragically lost their lives, citing unnamed local sources.

Montasir Itri, a resident of the mountain village of Asni near the epicenter, describes the grim scene, stating that most houses in the area have suffered damage. "Our neighbors are trapped under the rubble, and people in the village are working tirelessly to rescue them using whatever means available," he said.

Further to the west, near Taroudant, teacher Hamid Afkar recounts the terrifying experience. "The earth shook for about 20 seconds. Doors opened and shut by themselves as I rushed downstairs from the second floor," he said. Aftershocks have also been reported following the initial quake, compounding the fear and uncertainty.

Morocco’s geophysical center has reported that the earthquake struck in the Ighil area of the High Atlas with a magnitude of 7.2. However, the US Geological Survey suggests a slightly lower magnitude of 6.8. Regardless, the earthquake was relatively shallow, occurring at a depth of 18.5 km (11.5 miles).

Ighil, a mountainous area with small farming villages, is located approximately 70 km (40 miles) southwest of Marrakech. The earthquake struck just after 11 pm (2200 GMT).

Residents across the affected regions have been grappling with the aftermath. In Marrakech, where some houses in the densely packed old city have crumbled, residents are working tirelessly by hand to clear debris while they await heavy equipment.

Footage from the medieval city wall shows significant cracks in one section, with parts of it having collapsed, leaving rubble strewn across the streets. Ambulances have been seen leaving the old town, and many building facades are damaged. People remain frightened and prefer to stay outside in fear of another quake.

Accounts from those on the ground tell a harrowing tale. Houda Hafsi, 43, shares her experience, saying, "The chandelier fell from the ceiling, and I ran out. I’m still in the road with my children, and we’re scared."

Another resident, Dalila Fahem, recounts the damage to her house and furniture. "Fortunately, I hadn't gone to sleep yet," she said.

The earthquake's impact has extended to other cities as well. People in Rabat, approximately 350 km (220 miles) north of Ighil, and in the coastal town of Imsouane, about 180 km to its west, have also fled their homes, fearing the possibility of a stronger quake.

Social media has been flooded with videos showing the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. While Reuters cannot immediately verify these videos, they depict people fearfully running out of shopping centers, restaurants, and apartment buildings, congregating outside in a state of panic.