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."
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.
-
9 grab-and-go toiletry sets that make packing a breeze
The Week Recommends All the essentials in one place
-
'Thriving' ecosystem found 30,000 feet undersea
Speed Read Researchers discovered communities of creatures living in frigid, pitch-black waters under high pressure
-
Harris rules out run for California governor
Speed Read The 2024 Democratic presidential nominee ended months of speculation about her plans for the contest
-
Thailand, Cambodia agree to ceasefire in border fight
Speed Read At least 38 people were killed and more than 300,000 displaced in the recent violence
-
Israel 'pauses' Gaza military activity as aid outcry grows
Speed Read The World Health Organization said malnutrition has reached 'alarming levels' in Gaza
-
US and EU reach trade deal
Speed Read Trump's meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen resulted in a tariff agreement that will avert a transatlantic trade war
-
At least 12 dead in Thai-Cambodian clashes
Speed Read Both countries accused the other of firing first
-
US and Japan strike trade deal
Speed Read Trump signed what he's calling the 'largest deal ever made'
-
28 nations condemn Israel's 'inhumane killing' in Gaza
Speed Read Countries including Australia, France, Japan and the U.K. have released a joint statement condemning Israel's ongoing attacks
-
Israeli gunfire kills dozens at Gaza aid site
Speed Read The U.N. estimates that at least 875 Palestinians have died while trying to access food in recent months
-
Rubio says US brokered end to Syria conflict
Speed Read Syria's defense ministry was targeted in Israeli attacks on the capital