More than 2,000 dead following massive earthquake in Morocco
More than 2,000 people are dead and another 2,000 are injured following a devastating earthquake Friday in Morocco, officials said.
The magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck the North African country's Al Haouz province around 11 p.m. local time, according to a seismic reading from the U.S. Geological Survey. Its epicenter was located less than 50 miles from the historic city of Marrakesh, causing widespread damage. Residents were seen scrambling for cover as the earthquake began, with videos posted online later showing buildings reduced to piles of rubble. The earthquake also caused major damage in other cities throughout Morocco, including Rabat, Casablanca and Fez.
As of Saturday evening local time, 2,012 people had died and 2,059 people had been injured, the Moroccan state TV channel Al Aoula reported, citing the country's interior ministry. Officials said this death toll was expected to rise as rescue efforts started to get underway. Moroccan King Mohammad VI ordered the mobilization of the army in order to assist search-and-rescue teams.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The massive earthquake is the deadliest and strongest to hit the region in over 100 years, the U.S. Geological Survey said in its preliminary report. Since 1900, the survey has documented nine magnitude 5 earthquakes in the area, but none over magnitude 6 until now.
Many of the deaths reportedly occurred in small settlements throughout Al Haouz. "We found casualties and people running and kids crying," Ayoub Toudite, a resident of the small village of Moulay Brahim, told The Associated Press. "We never saw anything like this, 20 deaths in the area, 30 injuries. We are all terrified that this happens again."
Dozens of world leaders have offered condolences and aid to Morocco. President Biden said in a statement he was "deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation," and was ready "to provide any necessary assistance for the Moroccan people."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
'Many of us have warned for years of a rising ecofascist threat in response to climate chaos'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
Is this the end of cigarettes?
Today's Big Question An FDA rule targets nicotine addiction
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
A beginner's guide to exploring the Amazon
The Week Recommends Trek carefully — and respectfully — in the world's largest rainforest
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
80 dead in Colombia amid uptick in guerrilla fighting
Speed Read This was the country's deadliest wave of violence since the peace accords set by President Gustavo Petro in 2016
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal on track to start by Monday
Speed Read A deal between Israel and Hamas to release hostages and begin a ceasefire was officially signed by representatives in Doha
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine captures first North Korean soldiers
Speed Read Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted videos of the men captured in Russia's Kursk region
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Lebanon selects president after 2-year impasse
Speed Read The country's parliament elected Gen. Joseph Aoun as its next leader
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US accuses Sudan rebels of genocide, sanctions chief
Speed Read Sudan has been engaged in a bloody civil war that erupted in 2023
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine goes on offense in Russia's Kursk region
Speed Read A top adviser to President Zelenskyy said "the Russians are getting what they deserve"
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine cuts off Russian gas pipeline to Europe
Speed Read Ukraine has halted the transport of Russian gas to Europe after a key deal with Moscow expired
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Top Russian general killed in Moscow blast
Speed Read A remote-triggered bomb killed Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published