Morocco is on the northwest coast of Africa. On September 8, a serious earthquake rocked the nation. The ground shook. Buildings crumbled, and rocks fell in landslides. At least 2,497 people died. Days later, emergency crews were still working to help people in need.
The earthquake had a of 6.8, which is strong. Its was in a mountainous area. It was about 40 miles (64 km) south of Marrakesh, Morocco. People felt the shakes across the country. Villages near the epicenter in the Atlas Mountains had the worst damage. Traditional homes were made with mud bricks, stone, and wood. Many of them fell in the earthquake.
After the quake, landslides on mountain roads made it hard to reach villages. Some survivors spent days without electricity or phone service. People also had to deal with aftershocks. Those are smaller earthquakes that come after a bigger one. Still, emergency workers didn’t give up.
Rescue crews searched for people who were hurt or trapped. Workers put up tents for people with nowhere to stay. Aid groups gave out supplies, such as food, water, and blankets. Emergency workers from Britain, Spain, and Qatar traveled to Morocco to help. Other countries stood ready to send aid as well.
People in and out of Morocco found ways to show they care. In Idlib, Syria, an artist painted a picture of support on a wall. And in Dublin, Ireland, pro soccer players took time on the field to think of Morocco. Teams from Ireland and the Netherlands stood under a screen. The screen said, “We are together with you Morocco.”
In India, many world leaders were together for a G20 meeting. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of the earthquake. “I would like to express my heartfelt to the people affected,” he said. “The entire world is with Morocco in this difficult time.”
Updated September 11, 2023, 5:02 P.M. (ET)
By Ashley Morgan
