Moulay Brahim, Morocco – Over 1,000 people have been killed in Morocco’s most devastating earthquake in decades, authorities announced Saturday. The disaster caused extensive damage, forcing terrified locals and tourists to seek safety in the dead of night.
The 6.8-magnitude quake hit a mountainous region 45 miles southwest of the popular tourist destination, Marrakesh, at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT) on Friday, as reported by the US Geological Survey.
The tremors were distinctly felt in coastal cities like Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira.
“I was almost asleep when I heard the doors and shutters rattling,” recalled Ghannou Najem, an octogenarian from Casablanca who was in Marrakesh during the quake. “I rushed outside, fearing I’d die alone.”
Experts have labeled it the most potent quake to impact the North African nation, with one describing it as the region’s “largest in over 120 years.”
“In regions where destructive earthquakes are infrequent, buildings aren’t constructed robustly enough. As a result, many collapse, leading to high casualties,” explained Bill McGuire, professor emeritus at the University College London.
Updated figures from the interior ministry on Saturday revealed that the quake resulted in at least 1,037 deaths, primarily in Al-Haouz, the epicenter, and Taroudant provinces. Additionally, 1,204 individuals were injured, with 721 in critical condition.
Deaths were also reported in Ouarzazate, Chichaoua, Azilal, and Youssoufia provinces, as well as in Marrakesh, Agadir, and the Casablanca region.
World leaders offer solidarity Leaders and diplomats from around the world expressed condolences and offered support to Morocco. Middle East The UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, said, "we stand with the Kingdom of Morocco during this challenging time." Iran expressed condolences for the "terrible earthquake." Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and King of Jordan Abdullah II both offered assistance to Morocco. Algeria offered "sincere condolences to the brotherly Moroccan people for the earthquake victims," its foreign ministry stated. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "instructed all government bodies to provide any necessary assistance to the people of Morocco," his office reported. Europe Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, expressed his "solidarity and support to the Moroccan people following this terrible earthquake... Spain stands with the victims of this tragedy." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz conveyed, "our thoughts are with the victims of this devastating earthquake. Our sympathy goes out to all those affected." French President Emmanuel Macron said he was "devastated" and noted that "France is ready to provide first aid." The Pope expressed his "deep solidarity" with Morocco after the quake, the Vatican reported. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized "Italy's willingness to support Morocco in this emergency." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed sympathy "with the Moroccan people following the terrible earthquake." The European Union member countries, through the European Council, stated: "We are deeply saddened by the devastating consequences of this tragic event. As close friends and partners of Morocco, we are ready to assist in any way you may deem useful," addressing King Mohammed. Russia & Ukraine Both Russian and Ukrainian leaders offered their sympathies. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his "deepest condolences to HM King Mohammed VI and all Moroccans for the lives lost in the tragic earthquake." Russian President Vladimir Putin shared similar sentiments, stating, "we share the pain and mourning of the friendly Moroccan people." India & Turkey Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hosting the G20 summit this weekend, said he was "extremely pained by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Morocco." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered support to "our Moroccan brothers during this difficult time." Africa Nigerian President Bola Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to King Mohammed, emphasizing Nigeria's solidarity with Morocco. African Union Commission head, Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressed his "sincere condolences" to the Moroccan people. World bodies The World Bank stated, "Our hearts go out to the people of Morocco... Our sole focus is on supporting the Moroccan people and authorities." World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the quake as "heartbreaking," offering support for immediate health needs, echoed by UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) noted that the quake response could span years. UNESCO pledged to assist Morocco in assessing damage to national heritage sites and formulating a repair strategy.
A Night of Terror
Faisal Badour, an engineer in Marrakesh, described feeling the quake’s force three times in his building. “Many families are still sleeping outside due to the quake’s intensity. The screams were unbearable,” he said.
In Moulay Brahim village, near the quake’s epicenter, rescue teams searched for survivors among the debris of fallen homes. Nearby, villagers began digging graves for the deceased.
Michael Bizet, a 43-year-old Frenchman who owns three traditional riad homes in Marrakesh, recounted his experience: “My bed felt like it was about to take off. I rushed into the street, half-dressed. It was utter chaos.”
Videos on social media displayed a collapsed minaret at Jemaa el-Fna square in the historic city. Hundreds sought refuge in the square, fearing aftershocks, with some using blankets while others slept directly on the ground.
Mimi Theobold, a 25-year-old tourist from England, shared her experience of the quake while dining with friends. Meanwhile, local Houda Outassaf expressed her shock and grief over the loss of family members.
The interior ministry confirmed that they’ve “mobilized all necessary resources to assist the affected areas.” The army has established a field hospital in Moulay Brahim and has committed significant resources to aid search and rescue operations.
International Response
The USGS PAGER system issued a “red alert” for economic losses, indicating probable widespread damage.
World leaders extended their condolences, with many offering aid. US President Joe Biden expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, while Chinese leader Xi Jinping conveyed his condolences and support. Pope Francis showcased “profound solidarity” with the victims.
The quake was also felt in neighboring Algeria, which reported no damage or casualties.
Historically, Morocco has experienced significant quakes. In 2004, a quake in Al Hoceima resulted in over 628 deaths. In 1960, a 6.7-magnitude quake in Agadir claimed over 12,000 lives. Additionally, the 7.3-magnitude El Asnam earthquake in Algeria in 1980 left 2,500 dead and rendered 300,000 homeless.