The powerful earthquake with magnitude of 6.8 struck the High Atlas region in Morocco at 11.11pm on the 8th September 2023. At least 2,000 people have died – a grim death toll that is likely to rise in the days ahead.

Many of the dead are thought to be in remote villages in the High Atlas mountains, the epicentre of the earthquake. The epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) south-west of Marrakesh, at a depth of 18.5km. The earthquake killed people in the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant.

Residents are using whatever equipment they can find as they struggle to reach their neighbours under the rubble. Blocked roads are preventing ambulances from reaching the wounded, and while officials are scrambling to clear debris, rescue and relief efforts are difficult amid the mountainous terrain, risk of landslides, and large distances.

High Atlas mountain villages at the earthquake epicentre

Many of the dead are thought to be in remote villages in the High Atlas mountains, the epicentre of the earthquake. Residents are using whatever equipment they can find as they struggle to reach their neighbours under the rubble.

Blocked roads are preventing ambulances from reaching the wounded, and while officials are scrambling to clear debris, rescue and relief efforts are difficult amid the mountainous terrain, risk of landslides, and large distances.

Historic Marrakech badly damaged

The earthquake, which was felt as far away as Algeria and Portugal, also shook historic Marrakech, the nearest major city to the epicentre. Homes and other buildings in the UNESCO World Heritage Site have collapsed.

Aftershocks have left families too frightened to seek shelter, with exhausted survivors forced to sleep in the streets.

Occurring just 11 miles beneath the surface, the shallow earthquake was magnitude 6.8, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Islamic Relief is on the ground and is working through local humanitarian organisations on the ground to deliver vital aid. We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation and are conducting rapid needs assessments to analyse the most critical needs.

Please support our Emergency Response today, giving as much or as little as you can to save lives.

£30 - can provide non-food items such as blankets and mattresses for one family

£60 - can provide food items for a family of 6 lasting for 2 weeks

£100 - can provide essential medical items to ensure hospitals and clinics are sufficiently equipped to treat injured people

£250 - can provide temporary shelter to a family of 6

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