Morocco earthquake: Is it safe to travel and are flights to Marrakech cancelled?

On Friday a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Morocco killing more than 2,000 people and injuring thousands.

Rescue efforts are still ongoing and the death toll is likely to rise as they continue. The epicentre of the quake was around 70 km southwest of Marrakech - a city popular with international visitors.

Experts have said that aftershocks from the earthquake are likely in the region for the next couple of days.

With thousands of people booked to visit the country this autumn, is it safe to travel to Morocco?

The earthquake's epicentre was high in the Atlas Mountains meaning the worst affected areas are in central Morocco. A majority of the deaths and rescue efforts are focused in remote mountain villages that are difficult to access.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that “due to the shallow depth of the event and its proximity to high population centres, many buildings experienced severe shaking that can result in catastrophic failure”.

The nearest tourist hub is 44 km away in Marrakech where buildings have been damaged or collapsed due to the disaster. Most of the damage occurred in the medina - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest part of Marrakech. Its historic buildings were not constructed with earthquakes in mind.

While tremors were felt as far away as Spain and Portugal, much of the rest of Morocco remained unaffected. Popular resort destinations Agadir and Essaouira only saw minor damage to buildings.

Casablanca, Tangier and the capital city Rabat in the north of the country also escaped any significant damage from the earthquake.

On Saturday 9 September, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) issued advice to travellers but did not warn against visiting Morocco or Marrakech.

“On Friday 8 September 2023 an earthquake