Morocco earthquake: Grief, condolences, aid and rescue operation, what we know so far

Condolences poured from around the world after a massive earthquake killed over 2,000 people in the North African country of Morocco. The quake which caused heavy devastation in the country is now touted as the strongest earthquake that has hit Morocco in more than a century. What made the devastation even more drastic was the fact that the epicentre was not far from the historic city of Marrakech. 

While the death toll has climbed to 2,497, the authorities fear that it might rise as the rescue operation continues for the third night straight. In light of the earthquake, on Saturday morning, the Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan conducted an emergency meeting to discuss the matter. “HM King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, chaired, today in the Royal Palace in Rabat, a working session dedicated to examining the situation following the earthquake that occurred yesterday and caused human and material losses in various regions of the kingdom,” the Prince’s office wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Here’s a look at what we know about the earthquake so far. 

HM King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, chaired, today in the Royal Palace in Rabat, a working session dedicated to examining the situation following the earthquake […] pic.twitter.com/n1o0Y2sySt

— Moroccan Diplomacy 🇲🇦 (@Marocdiplo_EN) September 9, 2023

When and where did it happen? 

According to CNN, the earthquake struck at around 11.11 pm (local time) and its epicentre was located in the High Atlas mountain range which is about 72 kilometres southwest of Marrakech. The earthquake has affected around 840,000 people living in Marrakech. The quake was of magnitude 6.8. While earthquakes of this magnitude are rare in this region, the US Geological Survey noted that at least 9 quakes with a magnitude of 5 or higher have struck the area since 1900. However, none of them recorded more than 6 on the richter scale.

Image: AP

A look at the rescue efforts

According to the Associated Press, Morocco has deployed ambulances, rescue crews and soldiers to the region to help assist with emergency response efforts. Aid groups from around the world have reached the African nation to take part in the rescue efforts. However, the Moroccan authorities have kept the foreign assistance limited. The Interior Ministry said it was accepting search and rescue-focused international aid from Spain, Qatar, Britain and the United Arab Emirates, bypassing offers from French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Joe Biden.

Image: AP

What makes the city of Marrakech so historic? 

The ancient city of Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 12th century. The city is  Morocco’s most widely visited destination and is known for its palaces, spice, markets and the famous Jemaa El Fna, a market full of food vendors and musicians. The Friday earthquake is touted as the strongest in over a century. The last major earthquake the country witnessed was of a magnitude 5.8 that killed over 12,000 people on its western coast, where the city of Agadir, southwest of Marrakech, crumbled.