On Friday, September 8, 2023, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck approximately 43.5 miles south of Marrakech, Morocco. This seismic event has had significant repercussions, particularly in the rural areas near Marrakech, where numerous villages have sustained varying degrees of damage, including partial or complete collapses of structures.
The Marrakech-Safi region, particularly Al Haouz and Chichaoua Provinces, has suffered severe damage following the recent earthquake (details in linked report). More than 60,000 structures were exposed by the strong earthquake motion per USGS, and we forecast this will lead to the displacement of over 500,000 individuals.
Damage Forecast:
- Mw 6.8 earthquake, 43.5 miles south of Marrakech (epicentre=31.1 N 8.4 W, depth=18km) on 8 Sept. 2023, 11:11 pm local time (GMT +1).
- Estimated 800,000 people subjected to strong motion (over 200,000 households).
- Expected 500,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).
- Fatalities estimated at over 5,000 (2,800 confirmed), injuries estimated over 15,000.
- 60,000+ structures (homes) exposed to strong motion, damage index estimated at 20% heavy, 30% moderate damage.
| REGION | STRONG | VERY STRONG | SEVERE | GRAND TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draa Tafilalet region | 586 | 586 | ||
| Ouarzazate Province | 586 | 586 | ||
| Marrakech Safi region | 9,030 | 23,402 | 19,873 | 52,305 |
| Al Haouz Province | 999 | 18,254 | 14324 | 33,577 |
| Chichaoua Province | 637 | 873 | 5,549 | 7,059 |
| Essaouira Province | 13 | 13 | 13 | |
| Prefecture de Marrakech | 6,131 | 4,275 | 10,406 | 10,406 |
| Province d El Kelaat Es Sraghna | 1,228 | 1,228 | ||
| Province de Youssoufia | 7 | 7 | ||
| Rhamna Province | 15 | 15 | ||
| Souss Massa | 9,269 | 1,686 | 10,955 | |
| Agadir Ida Outanane Prefecture | 2 | 2 | ||
| Chtouka Ait Baha Province | 75 | 75 | ||
| Inezgane Ait Melloul Prefecture | 752 | 752 | ||
| Taroudant Province | 8,440 | 1,686 | 10,126 | |
| GRAND TOTAL | 18,885 | 25,088 | 19,873 | 63,846 |
