Major Earthquake in Morocco Claims Over 800 Lives in the Strongest Quake in 60 Years

On the Friday evening, September 8th, at 23:11, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale struck the Atlas Mountains, 71 kilometers southwest of Marrakech, at a depth of 18.5 kilometers, as reported by Reuters, citing the US Geological Survey. Officials from the Moroccan Ministry of Interior Affairs have stated that at least 820 people have lost their lives, with more than 600 others sustaining injuries. Most of the casualties occurred in remote mountainous regions of the country, including the provinces of Al-Haouz, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Chichaoua, and Taroudant.

Tremors of lesser intensity were also felt in coastal cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira. Spanish media has reported that the earthquake's tremors were felt in southern Spain, as well as in Portugal and Algeria.

According to data from the US Geological Survey, this is the most powerful and deadly earthquake in Morocco in the last 60 years. The previous earthquake in 1960 claimed the lives of more than 12,000 people.

The US Geological Survey's PAGER system, which provides preliminary assessments of earthquake consequences, has declared an orange level of economic loss, indicating a high likelihood of significant damages.

Residents of Marrakech, the nearest major tourist city to the epicenter, were forced to spend the night outdoors, fearing to return to their homes. Historic buildings in the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, suffered damage. In the central square of Djemaa el-Fna, the minaret of a mosque collapsed, and rescuers are searching for survivors under the rubble.

Id al-Tarazi, a seismology professor in Jordan, told Al Jazeera that "hundreds of aftershocks could occur." 

He added, "People should stay away from weak buildings as they are prone to collapse. We expect tremors to continue for three to four weeks."

Representatives from the United Nations, as well as leaders from European, African, and Asian countries, have expressed their condolences to the people of Morocco and stated their readiness to assist the government in its efforts to aid those affected.