WEATHER NEWS AND ANALYSIS
Earthquake In Morocco Kills At Least 632 People

Sept. 9, 2023, 2:23 p.m.

At least 632 people were killed and 329 others were injured in a powerful earthquake that struck Morocco late Friday night, the interior ministry said. Of those injured, 51 were in a critical condition, the ministry said.

 
According to a local official, the majority of the fatalities occurred in remote mountainous regions that presented significant challenges for rescue efforts due to their difficult accessibility.

The earthquake resulted in significant damage to buildings in major cities and caused panic among residents. People rushed into the streets and alleyways, from the capital city Rabat to Marrakech, which is the country's most popular tourist destination.
Local media reported that numerous buildings had sustained damage, and there were concerns that dozens of people might have lost their lives.
Morccan citizens shared videos showing the aftermath of the earthquake, with buildings reduced to rubble and dust. Parts of the iconic red walls surrounding Marrakech's historic old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were also damaged. Videos from tourists and locals depicted scenes of people evacuating restaurants and establishments, with the sound of loud club music in the background.