(OSV News): Rescuers continued to search through the rubble in the hopes of finding survivors after a powerful earthquake struck Morocco the night of September 8, killing more than 2,900 people and causing widespread destruction, as of September 12.
Search and rescue teams continued attempts to reach those in isolated villages closer to the earthquake’s epicentre reported to be in the High Atlas mountains, about 72 kilometres southwest of historic Marrakech, a city of about 840,000 people.
Previous attempts to help had been delayed by fallen rocks covering the roads leading to the hard-hit rural communities. The deadly quake’s epicentre was The villages in these areas were reported to have suffered the worst destruction, with buildings falling and killing many of the villagers while they were asleep.
The earthquake struck shortly after 11.00pm local time, according to the US Geological Survey [USGS], which said its preliminary magnitude was 6.8 and lasted several seconds, with a 4.9 aftershock hitting the area minutes later. The quake was the strongest to hit that part of the North African nation in 120 years, according to USGS.
On September 10, Morocco’s interior ministry confirmed the earthquake’s death toll had surpassed 2,100. These numbers are expected to rise. The ministry said over 2,400 people were injured, with at least 1,404 in critical condition. According to The Associated Press, the ministry also confirmed that most of the dead—1,351 people—were in the Al Haouz district in the High Atlas Mountains.
Soon after news of the devastation spread, the Archdiocese of Rabat—which has churches in Marrakech and Ouarzazate that suffered minor material damage—urged prayers for those affected through a message posted on social media. “Let us pray with Our Lady of Morocco for the victims and their families,” the archdiocese said.
A statement from the Archdiocese of Rabat expressed solidarity with the victims, “especially for those Moroccan families who are mourning or who have injured family members,” and urged the faithful to pray and to help those affected.
“We are appealing for emotional and effective solidarity with those in distress at this time,” said the statement posted on the archdiocesan website, adding that Caritas is working to make aid available to help where the need is most urgent.
The director of Caritas Rabat is slated to visit affected areas, and initial emergency aid is being prepared, according to a statement posted on the archdiocesan site.
Cristóbal Cardinal López of Rabat planned to preside over a September 10 Mass in Marrakech for all the victims. He also encouraged all communities to pray, express compassion to local authorities and organize solidarity.
We are appealing for emotional and effective solidarity with those in distress at this time,
Archdiocese of Rabat
“May God help us to draw positive consequences from this painful event, by transforming our hearts into hearts of mercy, solidarity and tenderness towards our brothers and sisters in distress,” the archdiocesan statement said.
In a September 9 telegramme, Pope Francis expressed his sorrow and “deep solidarity” with the people of the North African nation, praying for those who perished, healing for the wounded and consolation for those mourning the loss of their loved ones and homes, Vatican News reported.
The pope continued expressing his closeness to the Moroccan people “stricken by a devastating earthquake” after the Angelus prayer on September 10. He also thanked “the rescue workers and those who are working to alleviate the suffering of the people.”
He said, “May concrete help on the part of everyone support the population at this tragic time: Let us be close to the people of Morocco!”
With roads damaged or blocked, rescue teams have had difficulty reaching the hardest-hit areas. The Associated Press reported that authorities were working to clear roads in Al Haouz province to allow passage for ambulances and aid to those affected. But Abderrahim Ait Daoud, head of the town of Talat N’Yaaqoub, said that large distances between mountain villages meant it will take time to learn the extent of the damage. CNN reported that the Moroccan army cleared a key road from Marrakech to the mountains early on September 10.
Social media videos from September 8 showed buildings collapsing and there were reports of people trapped amid the rubble in the city
Ayoub Toudite, from the mountainside village of Moulay Brahim, told AP that his village was inhabitable after the earthquake. “We felt a huge shake like it was doomsday,” he said. In 10 seconds, he said, everything was gone. “We are all terrified that this happens again,” Toudite said.
Social media videos from September 8 showed buildings collapsing and there were reports of people trapped amid the rubble in the city.
“People were all in shock and panic. The children were crying and the parents were distraught,” when the deadly earthquake hit, Abdelhak El Amrani told the Agence France-Presse.
The BBC reported that many Moroccans “spent the night out in the open as the Moroccan government had warned them not to go back into their homes” in case of severe aftershocks. Those whose homes were destroyed by the earthquake slept outside again on September 9, CNN reported.
Media reported that Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, opened the G20 summit in September 9 with “heartfelt condolences” to everyone affected by the quake. Other world leaders expressed their condolences and offered support, with many countries—including France, the United States, Germany and Turkey—saying they are ready to assist Morocco following the disaster. Algeria, which severed diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021, offered to open its airspace to allow humanitarian aid or medical evacuation flights, according to reports.
On September 9, US president, Joe Biden, shared multiple messages expressing sadness at the loss of life and devastation following the earthquake and stating that “the United States stands by Morocco” during this difficult time. “My administration is ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Moroccan people,” he said on X, previously known as Twitter.
He also addressed the deadly earthquake as he began his news conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, where he is on a diplomatic visit following his attendance at the G20. “I want to express my sadness by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco,” Biden said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Morocco,” Biden said, adding that he also is working with Moroccan officials to ensure US citizens in Morocco are safe.
On September 9, the Royal Palace announced three days of national mourning following the disaster. Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has mobilised the country’s military for search and rescue missions as well as a surgical field hospital, according to AP. He also ordered water, food rations and shelter to be sent to those who lost their homes due to the earthquake.
Media reported that aid and rescue teams from different countries have started to arrive in Morocco and some countries, like Spain and Qatar, have been asked to help. Other countries like France are waiting for Morocco’s formal request to immediately assist.
On September 10, AP reported that, according to Rescuers Without Borders, teams totalling 3,500 rescuers registered with a UN platform were ready to deploy in Morocco when asked. The news agency added that, even as some international help is arriving, the Moroccan government has not made an international appeal for help like Turkey after a massive quake devastated the country in February.
“The next two to three days will be critical for finding people trapped under the rubble,” Caroline Holt, global director of operations for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies [IFRC], told Reuters.
