Late in the evening of September 8, a powerful magnitude of 6.8 earthquake Morocco was hit, killing more than 2,000 people and injuring many. The epicenter of the earthquake was high in the Atlas Mountains, about 70 kilometers southwest of Marrakech. Many of the affected villages in this region are remote and difficult to reach.
Unfortunately, the relatively low magnitude of the earthquake, combined with the older infrastructure in Marrakech’s medina, despite its distance from the epicenter, caused significant damage and collapsing buildings in this popular tourist destination. Rescue efforts in the affected areas are underway.
If you plan to travel to Marrakech in the near future, make sure you stay informed about the situation.
Which regions experienced the impact of the earthquake?
Because the epicenter of the earthquake is in the Atlas Mountains, the effects are mainly felt in central Morocco. In Marrakech, the nearest major tourist center, the earthquake caused damage and collapsed buildings. Most of this damage is concentrated in the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s oldest district. This is largely due to the historic nature of the buildings in this area, which were not designed with earthquake resistance in mind.
Which regions remain unaffected by the earthquake?
Although the earthquake caused tremors as far away as Portugal and Spain, most damage was limited to areas near the epicenter. On the west coast, cities such as Agadir and Essaouira were left virtually unscathed, despite some damage to building facades. The effects of the earthquake did not reach Casablanca, the capital Rabat, Fez or Tangier, and traveled further north. If you plan to visit these areas in the future, it would be greatly appreciated by the local communities, many of whom depend on tourism for their livelihood, to hold your reservation.
Is it safe to travel to Morocco now?
The Atlas Mountains are the scene of ongoing rescue operations and numerous highways are closed. It is advisable to check with your tour operator whether Marrakech is part of your itinerary. Aftershocks are likely to occur in the region in the coming days, and it will be important to determine how badly damaged structures are, especially in the medina. In addition, the area will be involved in rescue operations, making travel there futile in the coming weeks. After that it is better to wait. The city largely lives from tourism. So as soon as it is safe and reasonable, visitors are welcome again.
The earthquake had minimal impact on the rest of the country, so there is no reason to consider canceling your trip.
Is Marrakech airport still operational?
Marrakech airport has remained operational and flights to and from the city are operating without disruptions. The aspects that could potentially impact visitors include accommodation and any pre-booked tours.
What are the official travel guidelines from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
The British Foreign Office has not issued any travel advice or warnings regarding Morocco in light of the earthquake. It only advised: “You must follow local media and safety instructions from local authorities.”
