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.

Victor Olorunfemi • September 9, 2023

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.

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