On 8th September 2023, Morocco was struck by a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake, leaving lives shattered, communities in distress and homes destroyed. This is most powerful earthquake to hit Morocco in a century and was followed by a 4.9 aftershock that hit 19 minutes later.
Buildings collapsed, tragically claiming the lives of more than 2,000 people and injuring over 2,000. With more reports trickling in by the minute, these numbers are expected to rise quickly. Many families are still trapped under the rubble of their homes, and rescuers are struggling to reach families in remote mountainous villages over roads blocked by debris.
Around 1.8 million people live in the areas that experienced strong shaking in the earthquake, and where the likelihood of damage is highest, according to the New York Times. As is the case with any major earthquake, aftershocks are likely to continue in the hours and days ahead, putting children and families at further risk.
A powerful earthquake that shook Morocco late September 8 killed more than 600 people, interior ministry figures showed, sending terrified residents fleeing their homes in the middle of the night. Copyright © UNICEF/UNI433684/Senna/AFP
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