Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country in north Africa, spanning an area of 446,300 square kilometres with a population of approximately 37 million.

On 08 September 2023 at 22.11 UTC a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Morocco at 18.5 km depth. The epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) south-west of Marrakesh. There was a magnitude 4.9 aftershock 19 minutes later and several more have been reported. Morocco’s National Institute of Geophysics stated that this level of seismic activity is the first recorded in a century in the country. Marrakesh, with a population of 840,000 inhabitants is most impacted city.

As of 10 September, Moroccan authorities have reported at least 2,012 people as having lost their life and 2,059 injured in the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant.

Initial assessments indicate that WASH, shelter, health, and food assistance are required. Several aftershocks have been reported, families still trapped under the rubble of their homes, road blockages and difficult geographic conditions remain challenging to conduct search and rescue interventions. Many residents sought refuge outdoors, fearing additional seismic activity and enduring unsettling aftershocks (OCHA, 10 Sep 2023).

The ETC has not been activated in Morocco at this stage but remains on stand-by to support the relief efforts if required.