Thursday, July 9, 2026

Over 600 killed, many wounded as powerful earthquake hit Morocco overnight

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake, which toppled buildings, is the strongest that the North African country has witnessed in 123 years.

• September 9, 2023
Earthquake in Morocco
Earthquake in Morocco [Credit; Al Jazeera]

More than 600 people have been killed and many others injured after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco on Friday night.

The quake, which struck about 50 miles from the city of Marrakesh late Friday, was the strongest in the area in at least 123 years, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The earthquake struck around 11:00 p.m. local time. Images on state television showing toppled buildings as residents scrambled for safety.

“Since 1900, there have been no earthquakes M6 [magnitude 6] or larger within 500km of this earthquake, and only nine M5 [magnitude 5] and larger,” the USGS said on its website.

Officials of the North African country reported casualties from the “provinces and municipalities of Al Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant.”

Videos posted on social media showed parts of the famous red walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reduced to dust.

Frantic rescue effort is underway, with the road leading to the epicenter of the earthquake blocked by jammed vehicles and collapsed rocks, slowing down rescue efforts.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

ISWAP

States

Soldier killed as ISWAP terrorists attack Borno military base

The army described the July 7 attack on the base as a coordinated assault that was successfully repelled by troops.

Nigerian visa

Diaspora

Nigeria suspends O15 third-party visa services for U.S.-based applicants

The service, which did not disclose reasons for the suspension, clarified that its e-visa system remained active for prospective travellers.

Sport

Paraguayan lawmaker’s racist remarks against Mbappé disgraceful, violate human dignity: WHO DG

Mr Mbappé hit back at the Paraguayan lawmaker, who had referred to him as “ugly” and “a colonised Cameroonian.”

LEGISLATIVE GAVEL

Rights

Court awards N100 million against police over torture, murder of man in Cross River

Mr Mba was allegedly beaten and shot by police officers at the government house on August 1, 2025.

Heading 5

Benin-Sapele concrete pavement will last 80 years, Gov. Okpebholo says

The governor said Mr Tinubu is working tirelessly to ensure that project deliverables nationwide, including in Edo, are completed on time.

Senator Ali Ndume

Heading 1

Nigerians want to hear from you; stop letting others speak for you, Ndume tells Tinubu

Mr Ndume also urged the Tinubu government to address rising food prices, transport costs, and other economic challenges affecting citizens.