Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
Morocco: 6.8 Earthquake
On Friday 8 September a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck central Morocco. The quake occurred at a depth of 18.5km in the Ighil area of the High Atlas mountains, about 70km southwest of Marrakesh, at just after 11 p.m. local time.
The earthquake was felt across multiple cities in central Morocco and was felt strongly in Marrakesh with some damage reported to buildings in the Old City. Infrastructure has been impacted, including power, water and communication. Internet access has also been impacted in Marrakesh. Emergency services are currently responding to affected populations and local hospitals and resources in the most affected areas may become strained.
You can contact local emergency services for immediate or life-threatening emergencies on the following numbers:
•15 from a landline or 150 from a cell phone for firefighters or ambulance
•19 from a landline or 190 from a cell phone for police
If you are in the affected area or areas potentially affected by the earthquake you should follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media for developments. Some roads are closed due to damage. Aftershocks have occurred and further aftershocks and damage are possible. Please keep your family back in New Zealand informed of your well-being.
Airports are reported to be open and functional. If your travel has been impacted you should contact your tour provider or airline for further information. If you are planning to travel to Morocco you should check with your accommodation provider or tour operator to confirm arrangements before departing, in case of disruption or damage caused by the earthquake.
New Zealanders that require urgent consular assistance can contact the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.
We encourage all New Zealanders visiting or living in Morocco to register their details on SafeTravel.
Associated Advisories:
Reviewed:11 Sep 2023, 12:50