Morocco: Additional damage and deaths following magnitude-6.8 earthquake in Chichaoua Province late Sept. 8 /update 6

Event

Additional damage and deaths were reported following a magnitude-6.8 earthquake that occurred in Chichaoua Province Sept. 8. As of Sept. 12, officials reported at least 2,862 deaths and over 2,562 injuries, with the majority occurring in Al Haouz and Taroudant provinces. Casualty figures will likely rise in the coming days as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities have reported damaged roads and infrastructure around the epicenter near Oukaimeden, but major airports, including Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), Rabat-Sale Airport (RBA), and Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), remain operational. It could take several days until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas and regions already damaged by the Sept. 8 earthquake.

The epicenter was about 56 km (35 miles) west of Oukaimeden. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 18 km (11 miles). Very strong-to-violent shaking was reported near the epicenter, with moderate-to-strong shaking experienced in more distant locations. Further utility outages and transport disruptions are likely, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Consider vacating multistory buildings where shaking occurred until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Monitor and plan for aftershocks.

Charge mobile and other electrical devices in advance and ensure backup batteries are available where needed. Plan for possible road travel delays due to malfunctioning or inoperative traffic lights in affected areas; exercise caution when driving in the impacted areas, especially during hours of darkness. Verify that security systems are working during power outages. Ensure that generators are functional and refuel equipment where necessary. Identify business-critical functions that require a power supply.