Deadly 6.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Morocco, Causing Casualties and Destruction in Major Cities

Morocco Stricken by Deadly 6.8-Magnitude Earthquake

^{Credit: Google Earth | 6.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Morocco}

In a shocking turn of events, Morocco was hit by a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake late on Friday evening, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming lives. The epicenter of this seismic upheaval was located 75 kilometers west of the bustling economic hub of Marrakech, sending tremors that rippled from north to south. At least five individuals lost their lives in the wake of this disaster.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) pinpointed the epicenter near Oukaïmedene, a ski resort nestled in the Atlas Mountains. The quake struck at around 11 pm local time on Friday, sending shockwaves through the region. While the full extent of the devastation is still unfolding, social media has been inundated with images and videos depicting clouds of dust and rubble-laden streets, as buildings succumbed to the quake’s relentless force.

Witnesses have reported scenes of panic as residents fled their homes in fear. Ambulances raced through the ancient streets of Marrakech, responding to calls for help, while buildings suffered structural damage. In the words of one Essaouira resident, “There’s not too much damage, more panic. We heard cries during the quake, with people gathering in squares and cafes, opting to spend the night outdoors.

#BREAKING 🇲🇦
Terrifying footage captures the moment of collapse during a powerful 6.8 magnitude #Earthquake in #Morocco, the strongest in 123 years.#Marrakech #Maroc #Seisme #Agadir #tognews #todayonglobenews #todayonglobe pic.twitter.com/4zHCw37NqS pic.twitter.com/y1zEOd1GhG
— Today On Globe (@TodayOnGlobe) September 9, 2023

Earthquakes are relatively uncommon in this region, although not entirely unexpected. This particular earthquake, with its magnitude of 6.8, marks the most significant seismic event in the area in over a century. The USGS reports that, since 1900, no earthquakes with a magnitude of 6 or higher have occurred within 500 km of this seismic event. Only nine quakes with a magnitude of 5 or greater have been documented during the same period, primarily in the eastern region.

The earthquake’s shallow depth of 18.5 km (11.5 miles) has been attributed to “oblique-reverse faulting” in the Atlas Mountains. It is important to note that Morocco experienced a major earthquake in 2004, known as the Al Hoceima earthquake, which claimed over 600 lives. This seismic event occurred along an active plate boundary on the country’s northern coast.

Morocco’s neighbor, Algeria, also faced a devastating earthquake in 1980 known as the El Asnam earthquake, registering a formidable magnitude of 7.3. Originating from the Atlas Mountain range, it resulted in widespread destruction, leaving 2,600 people dead and hundreds of thousands displaced.

As Morocco assesses the damage and provides assistance to those affected, the memories of these past seismic events serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature’s forces. The nation now faces the daunting task of recovery and rebuilding, while mourning the lives lost in this latest catastrophe.