Families in several cities in Morocco rushed out of their homes and into the streets after a powerful earthquake struck at 11:11 p.m on Sept. 8, 2023. A 4.9 magnitude aftershock followed 19 minutes later; several more have been reported.
Buildings collapsed, leaving 1,037 people dead and 672 injured, including 205 in critical condition, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNICEF’s emergency partner, reported as the frantic search for survivors continued.
Families are trapped under the rubble of their homes
The epicenter of the magnitude 6.9 quake was in the Atlas Mountains about 45 miles southwest of the city of Marrakech.
Many families are trapped under the rubble of their homes; damage to parts of Marrakech’s Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has also been reported. Hospitals in the city are receiving an influx of injured people, where authorities have called on residents to donate blood.
The United Nations stands ready to assist the Government of Morocco
More than 380,000 people live within 30 miles of the epicenter. Rescuers are struggling to reach remote mountainous villages over roads blocked by debris.
António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, issued a statement saying the United Nations is ready to assist the Government of Morocco in its efforts to assist the impacted population.
UNICEF puts children first in emergencies
In an emergency, children are always among the most vulnerable. Children and families may have been displaced by the quake, and could be in urgent need of shelter, safe water, medical care, protection and psychosocial support.
Whenever and wherever emergencies strike, UNICEF puts children first. Your donation helps UNICEF stay at the ready to provide emergency support for children and their families. Please donate today.
