Earthquake Rattles Morocco days Before Anniversary of Devastating 2023 Quake
AMIZMIZ, MOROCCO – A 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco early Wednesday morning, September 3rd, jolting residents in the Marrakech-Safi region. The tremor, reported at 4:25 a.m.local time, was centered approximately 31 kilometers south of Amizmiz and occurred at a depth of nearly 13 kilometers, according to seismic data.While initial reports indicate no immediate casualties or material damage, the earthquake has understandably heightened anxiety in communities still reeling from the catastrophic 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the Al Haouz region in September 2023. That disaster claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction, leaving deep emotional and physical scars.
The recent quake was felt most strongly in areas near the epicenter, including parts of Al Haouz and Marrakech, where residents described a sudden and disruptive jolt. Authorities are currently assessing the situation and remain on alert for potential aftershocks. As of Wednesday morning, no evacuation warnings or further instructions have been issued to the public.
The timing of this event, just days before the second anniversary of the 2023 earthquake on September 8th, has amplified the sense of unease among locals still grappling with the trauma of loss and the ongoing risk of seismic activity in the region. Morocco is located in a seismically active zone, experiencing frequent, though typically minor, earthquakes. The 2023 quake, however, was the strongest to hit the country in decades, prompting a massive relief effort and ongoing reconstruction initiatives.