Morocco Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to Over 2,000
Latest Update: September 9, 2023
Substantial Loss and Injuries Reported
On Friday, September 8, 2023, at 11:11 PM local time (10:11 PM UTC), a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco, according to the National Institute of Geophysics. The initial death toll has now risen to 2,901, with 5,530 injured, as reported by the Moroccan Ministry of Interior. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the mountainous region of northern Morocco, near the town of Al Hoceima. The shallow depth of the quake, estimated at only 10 kilometers, contributed to its devastating impact. The Moroccan Scientific Research Center initially reported a magnitude of 7.0 for the earthquake, but this has since been downgraded to 6.8 by the United States Geological Survey. Nevertheless, the temblor remains one of the most powerful in recent Moroccan history. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors and provide assistance to those affected. The government has dispatched teams of engineers to assess the damage to buildings and infrastructure and determine safe conditions for re-occupancy. The death toll is expected to rise further as rescue operations continue and the extent of the damage becomes clearer. The earthquake has caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and several historical structures. The Ministry of Interior has urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. International aid organizations are also mobilizing to provide support to Morocco. The World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed a team of experts to assist with the health response, while the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that it will provide $1 million in humanitarian aid.
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