More than 820 people have died after the devastating earthquake that shook the North African country.
An earthquake measuring 6.8 struck the Ighil area of Morocco, hitting around 11:11 PM local time on Friday, about 40 miles south of Marrakesh.
The tremor ranks among the strongest and most destructive events to affect the nation in recent memory, and the death toll has risen sharply since the initial impact.
Official figures from the Moroccan Interior Ministry show at least 820 fatalities and 672 people injured, with 205 of those injuries considered serious.
Tributes and prayers followed worldwide, as high-profile sports figures used their social media channels to acknowledge the disaster.
Amrabat and Ziyech, central to Morocco’s remarkable run to the World Cup semi-finals the previous year, shared messages on their Instagram accounts.
The response extended beyond social media. Major clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain issued statements expressing solidarity with Morocco in the wake of the earthquake.
Real Madrid’s official letter of solidarity conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased, offered wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured, and expressed strength for the Moroccan people. Barcelona’s social posts echoed a message of support for the victims, while Atlético de Madrid offered similar condolences and support to the Moroccan population. PSG, where Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi plays, also released a statement standing with Moroccan friends after the disaster and offering condolences to those who lost loved ones.
Morocco had been preparing to host Liberia in Agadir for the sixth AFCON qualifying match, but the game was postponed in response to the earthquake and the unfolding humanitarian situation.
As nations and communities organize relief efforts, authorities continue to assess damage, coordinate rescue operations, and deliver aid to affected regions. The earthquake’s impact on infrastructure, housing, and livelihoods remains a major concern for local authorities and international responders alike.
In the days ahead, questions about emergency preparedness, building codes, and regional resilience will come into sharper focus as communities rebuild and recover from this tragedy. Observers emphasize the importance of rapid response, sustained humanitarian aid, and the need for long-term recovery plans that protect vulnerable populations across Morocco.
Additional updates are anticipated as government agencies, relief organizations, and international partners monitor the situation and coordinate support for those affected by this powerful seismic event. (Goal)