Morocco: Additional damage and deaths reported following magnitude-6.8 earthquake in Chichaoua Province late Sept. 8 /update 3

Event

Emergency crews are continuing to respond to a magnitude-6.8 earthquake that occurred in Chichaoua Province at around 23:11 Sept. 8. The epicenter was about 56 km (35 miles) west of Oukaimeden. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 18 km (11 miles).

Officials reported at least 1037 people were killed, and at least 672 were injured. Casualty figures are likely to rise in the coming hours as search and rescue operations continue. The earthquake damaged multiple buildings in Marrakesh and several villages near the epicenter, with reported utility outages in the affected area.

It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas and regions. Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Further utility outages and transport disruptions are likely, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Officials have advised people to exercise caution and take safety measures due to the likely risk of moderate-to-strong aftershocks over the coming days.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.