Tafeghaghte, Morocco — Over 2,000 people have died in Morocco’s deadliest earthquake in decades, authorities announced Saturday. As troops and emergency services rush to access remote mountain villages, many victims are still feared trapped.
While authorities have declared three days of national mourning, the Red Cross cautions that damage repair could span years.
The 6.8-magnitude quake hit late Friday, 45 miles southwest of the tourist hub, Marrakesh, as reported by the US Geological Survey.
Strong tremors also shook coastal cities like Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira, causing extensive damage and sending residents and tourists fleeing in fear.
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.
“I was almost asleep when I heard the doors and shutters banging,” shared Ghannou Najem, an 80-year-old Casablanca resident visiting Marrakesh.
“I panicked and ran outside. I thought I was going to die alone.”
In Tafeghaghte, a mountain village near the quake’s epicenter, few buildings remained intact. The region’s traditional clay bricks couldn’t withstand the quake’s force.
By late afternoon, soldiers were still searching the debris. However, most survivors were at the cemetery, mourning the loss of around 70 villagers.
“Three of my grandchildren and their mother died — they’re still under the rubble,” 72-year-old villager Omar Benhanna told AFP. “Just earlier, we were all playing together.”
This quake is the most powerful to hit the North African nation in over 120 years.
“In regions where destructive earthquakes are rare, buildings aren’t built robustly enough… leading to many collapses and high casualties,” explained Bill McGuire, professor emeritus at Britain’s University College London.
The interior ministry’s latest update revealed a death toll of at least 2,012, primarily in Al-Haouz and Taroudant provinces. Another 2,059 were injured, with 1,404 in critical condition.
Civil defense Colonel Hicham Choukri, overseeing relief operations, described the situation as “an exceptional emergency.”
Following a meeting led by King Mohammed VI, a three-day national mourning was announced, with flags at half-mast on public buildings.
‘Unbearable’ screams
Faisal Badour, an engineer, felt the quake’s force three times in Marrakesh.
“Families are still sleeping outside due to the quake’s intensity,” he said. “The screams were unbearable.”
Michael Bizet, a Frenchman who owns three traditional riad houses in Marrakesh, recounted the chaos. “I thought my bed was flying. I ran out half-naked. It was total chaos.”
Social media footage displayed a collapsed minaret in Marrakesh’s historic Jemaa el-Fna square. Hundreds sought refuge there, fearing aftershocks.
Local Houda Outassaf was “still in shock” after the quake, mourning the loss of family members.
The regional blood transfusion center in Marrakesh urged blood donations for the injured.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation postponed a Cup of African Nations qualifier against Liberia, originally scheduled for Saturday in Agadir.
Extensive damage expected
Residents of Essaouira, 125 miles west of Marrakesh, reported screams and falling building facades.
The Red Cross is mobilizing support for the Moroccan Red Crescent. However, Hossam Elsharkawi, their Middle East and North Africa director, warned of a prolonged response period.
Many foreign leaders, including those from Israel, with which Morocco normalized relations in 2020, offered condolences and assistance.
Algeria, a neighboring regional rival, lifted a two-year ban on Moroccan flights to facilitate aid and medical evacuations.
US President Joe Biden expressed deep sorrow over the devastation. Chinese leader Xi Jinping conveyed grief and hope for Morocco’s recovery.
In 2004, a quake in northeastern Morocco’s Al Hoceima killed at least 628. In 1960, a 6.7-magnitude quake in Agadir claimed over 12,000 lives. The 1980 7.3-magnitude El Asnam earthquake in Algeria resulted in 2,500 deaths and left 300,000 homeless.