Powerful Earthquake Strikes Morocco

• 11 Sep 2023

A rare and potent earthquake recently rocked Morocco, causing widespread devastation, with more than 2,000 people losing their lives.

Key Points

• Magnitude and Depth: The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, with a shallow depth, making it particularly dangerous.
• Unprepared Infrastructure: Many buildings in mountainous villages and ancient cities were not constructed to withstand such a powerful earthquake, leading to significant damage and casualties.
• High Atlas Region: The devastation affected towns along the steep and winding switchbacks of the High Atlas Mountains, with homes folding in on themselves and grief-stricken families mourning the dead.
• Historic City Affected: In Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, people hesitated to reenter buildings due to concerns about stability.
• Damage to Landmarks: The famous Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century, sustained damage, and parts of the iconic red walls surrounding the old city were also affected.
• Building Vulnerability: Experts noted that in regions where destructive earthquakes are rare, buildings are often not constructed robustly enough to withstand strong ground shaking, leading to a higher casualty rate.
• Rare Occurrence: Earthquakes are relatively rare in North Africa, with this being the strongest ever recorded in the region.