marrakech earthquake travel advice

Should you travel to Morocco after the earthquake?

Oct 3, 2023 • 4 min read

While parts of Morocco were heavily damaged by the earthquake, the country remains most open to visitors © Alexi Rosenfeld / Getty Images

As anyone who’s visited Morocco will tell you, it’s the local people who make any trip there truly memorable.

The hospitality and kindness you experience will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. But should you be planning on a trip to the beguiling country after the devastating earthquake in September 2023?

A devastating disaster

“Despite being in shock after the quake,” says Elsewhere Morocco expert Nawfal Serhir, “the people we met when we delivered aid to villages around Taroudant were as welcoming as ever. Even though many were homeless and grieving, they still greeted us warmly with a smile.”

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit just after 11pm on Friday, September 8, devastating remote villages in the High Atlas Mountains , killing more than 3000 people and injuring almost twice that number. Traditional homes built of rammed earth collapsed. Concrete buildings such as shops and schools cracked and fell apart at odd angles.

The government was quick to send in heavy machinery to clear the roads so that relief could reach the villagers. Where earthmovers couldn’t proceed, helicopters dropped doctors and firemen, while soldiers went in on foot accompanied by mules carrying supplies. Local and foreign-aid agencies have delivered food and warm clothing, and Moroccans from all over the country have sent aid packages. King Mohamed VI was one of thousands who gave blood; the monarch has announced major compensation for those whose homes were damaged or destroyed.

The quake was perplexingly choosy – razing one village yet sparing another in the next valley. People affected are now living in tents, their homes too dangerous to enter. The rebuilding program is already under way, though winter is around the corner and snow is imminent.

Some 60 miles north of the earthquake’s epicenter lies the country’s premier tourist destination,  Marrakesh . A few people lost their lives in the city, some buildings were damaged, part of the walls crumbled and the minaret of a mosque lay in ruins. Some of the historic buildings in this Unesco World Heritage site are now closed while they are checked for structural problems.

Where does all this leave potential visitors? Is it all doom and gloom? Would you feel guilty having a fun holiday while people are injured or homeless? Should you even think of coming now?

The answer is a resounding yes .

In fact, come soon – as your visit is crucial to the local relief effort. There’s no need to feel guilty or to cancel your trip. Your support is vital now and you will make a valuable contribution to the economy by underpinning local jobs.

Here’s what visitors to Morocco can expect after the earthquake

• All airports are operating as normal and transport services such as trains and buses are running as normal.
• Major roads, such as the N9 through the High Atlas between Ouarzazate and Marrakesh, are clear and have not been damaged.
• Some of the historic monuments in Marrakesh such as the weaving museum Dar Si Saïd , the new Museum of Intangible Heritage , the Musée des Confluences at Dar El Bacha , the Saadian Tombs , the Bahia Palace and the Badia Palace are temporarily closed.
• There are plenty of other monuments and sights to visit, such as the lovely Jardin Secret or the almost 20 museums in the medina. Fortunately, the magnificent, newly restored Ben Youssef Medersa is still open, the souks are as inviting as ever and the evening street-food carnival on Djemaa El Fna is just as much fun.
• In the Ville Nouvelle (new city), where there was no damage, the Jardin Majorelle , Yves Saint Laurent Museum , chic boutiques, art galleries and excellent restaurants await.
• If you’re going trekking or mountain biking in the High Atlas, routes are open and safe. Local guides will put your safety first and take you on secure routes. It’s the areas around the quake’s epicenter – the villages of Moulay Brahim, Amizmiz, Ijoukak and Talaat N’Yaaqoub – that you will avoid.

Explore places in Morocco far from the earthquake epicenter

The earth trembled across a country the size of Texas on that fateful Friday night, but fortunately there has been little damage beyond the High Atlas and Marrakesh. Don’t forget the wealth of fabulous places to visit in Morocco beyond red city of Marrakesh. Fez has an ancient medina with spectacular architecture, and Chefchaouen is soaked in that charming blue hue. You can catch a thrilling wave on the coast (especially in winter), ride a camel across Saharan dunes and discover the delights of Moroccan cuisine. And there are other hiking options, such as the cedar forests and gentle slopes of the Middle Atlas and the more northerly Rif Mountains .

Wherever you are, in a city riad or a rural lodge, the resilient Moroccan people will steal your heart with that welcoming smile and glass of frothy mint tea.

How you can help

People in the mountains need warm clothes, shoes and blankets for the rapidly approaching winter weather. Buy supplies locally, then pop into Café Clock in Marrakesh as it’s a collection point for donations of any kind.

If you’re going into the mountains, ask your guide if there’s anything you could take for the people there.

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What a Trip to Morocco After a Devastating Earthquake Taught Me About Visiting a Destination in Recovery

Here's what to consider when booking a trip after tragedy, according to travel experts.

3yephotography/Getty Images

The line of horse-drawn carriages was long, and proud: tidy rows of emerald green vehicles, with the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque for a backdrop. But there were few takers for a late afternoon ride, even in the stifling October heat. 

My husband and I had just crossed Marrakesh ’s famed Jemaa el Fnaa Square, marveling at the brightly colored stalls of fruits, vegetables, and spices. Yet the square, named a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2001, felt nothing like it did when we’d last visited, a decade ago. Back then, we saw snake charmers and artisans and tourists from all over the world embracing the chaos. This time, the noise was now turned down a notch, save for the occasional putter of a motorcycle; the lyrical call to prayer; or an eager vendor, beckoning us to "come have a look! "

That’s because this trip to Marrakesh came just one month after a deadly 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco , inflicting great loss of life and structural damage, mainly in the villages of the Atlas Mountains. Marrakesh was not unscathed; there were a few casualties and some buildings in the medina collapsed. Walking the winding alleyways with our guide, Mohammed Bousekri, we occasionally saw steel beams, acting as reinforcement. (And visitors today will see the Koutoubia Mosque, which dates to the 12th century, is now clad in scaffolding due to repairs.)

Other parts of the city seemed to be untouched; the airport was the same as ever, and many hotels and resorts were open for business, including the iconic La Mamounia , celebrating its 100th anniversary with a gala weekend featuring local dignitaries and celebrities like Mika and French pianist Sofiane Pamart. Those working at shops and restaurants welcomed us in; I bought a chunky, stone Berber necklace in the medina, chatting casually with the shopkeeper, a friend of Bousekri’s. He remarked how yes, things were a bit slow. 

Stefano Barzellotti/Getty Images

Business owners, still feeling the impact of COVID closures over the last few years, were trying to cope with this new setback. “The mindset in Marrakesh is we need to band together,” said Nick Minucciani, co-founder of fashion brand Marrakshi Life , which sells chic shirts, jackets, and dresses. His shop and atelier in the industrial quarter, Sidi Ghanem, employs 70, many of whom have family and friends in the more hard-hit areas of the country. “Marrakesh is the heart, and then the veins extend throughout to the mountains.”

Minucciani’s perspective captured the should-we, shouldn’t-we that so many travelers, including me, are feeling these days. Tourism is a huge economic driver across the globe, contributing 7.6% of global GDP in 2022. It’s a critical way that destinations can get back to normal after a crisis, whether that’s a natural disaster, terrorism, or political upheaval. But as a traveler, I also recognize that visiting a place that’s endured a traumatic event can get complicated, quickly. Are you a burden, physically and emotionally, to the local population? Will your dollars truly be welcome? And when exactly is the right time to go? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but experts in the travel industry I’ve spoken with tend to follow a few principles when deciding to go back to a place impacted by tragedy. It’s advice that I often follow myself — and that can make all of us better, more conscientious travelers. 

Tap into social media.

In the initial hours and days after the September earthquake, many journalists — not to mention businesses in Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains — were documenting relief efforts in close to real time. La Mamounia, for example, posted to Instagram on Sept. 11, sharing that the hotel staff and their families were safe. (They also made a call for donations to support relief work.) Then, amazingly, things started to shift: on Sept. 13, there was a post depicting a dining table, saying, “We are ready to serve You!” accompanied by the hashtags #MarrackechKeepsShining #MarrakechNow #StrongMarrakech, among others. On Sept. 16, there was a post depicting female chefs and food displays to promote a weekend brunch, with similar hashtags including #MarrakeshNeedsYou and #StrongMorocco. Jarring? A little, but in the world of Instagram, messages and sentiment turn on a dime. The hotel was clearly telegraphing that it was open, one of the things that gave me confidence to make the journey. If you’re planning a trip, consider following accounts from hotels, restaurants, tourism boards, and local authorities to keep apprised of the situation on the ground. 

Yannick Tylle/Getty Images

Call on a travel advisor.

Many travelers are now building long-term relationships with travel specialists, who help them navigate complex trips, tough restaurant reservations, even last-minute concert tickets. Advisors have a global network and can give you real-time advice and assistance. They can also be critical when you’re headed to a recently impacted destination. 

“We like to call a host of different people in a destination to get their take,” says Jack Ezon, founder of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond and member of T+L’s Travel Advisory Board . “We will also reach out to a concierge, a specific tour guide, a tour company and sometimes even a restaurant maître d'hôtel. We literally ask them how they are doing, if they are ready, and what the place is actually like.”

Sometimes, travel advisors find themselves in the middle of the crisis. Take the case of Mark Lakin, founder of the Legacy Untold and another member of T+L’s advisory board , who happened to be in Marrakesh when the earthquake hit. “The media reports the news with many ideas in mind, and the tourism economy is almost never the first consideration,” Lakin told me recently. “I felt that the most important thing that I could do was to report the truth from the ground to travelers and the travel industry. After some clean up and three days of national mourning, Marrakesh looked and felt pretty normal,” adds Lakin, who is based in New York City. “Shops, cafes, and restaurants were welcoming travelers with open arms.”

Manage your own expectations.

In my experience, one of the key concerns for travelers is infrastructure: is a destination physically ready for me? “We speak to clients all the time about destinations in recovery,” says Ezon of Embark Beyond. Over the years, he has sent clients to storm-impacted destinations such as Puerto Rico, Los Cabos, and Turks & Caicos — and is now sending people to Maui, which is slowly getting back on its feet after the fire . He shared with me how key it was to set expectations with his travelers. “We speak to clients all the time about destinations in recovery. Most of the time we will suggest visiting, then hold our breath for the inevitable ‘Is it safe”? Isn’t it all destroyed?’ Once you put things into perspective and give them an honest expectation of what things will look like on arrival, clients often book.” 

I felt comfortable returning to Marrakesh because La Mamounia had already been open for several weeks. That said, I did arrive at the hotel with a different, more empathetic mindset, eyes a little wider. I was prepared to be more judicious in my requests of the staff, more attuned to my surroundings, more overt in my thanks and gratitude. The restaurants, spa, and on-site boutiques were all welcoming international guests — but the mood at times was hushed and reflective, given the circumstances. My stay proceeded as “normal” as normal could be during a difficult time.

Travel with sensitivity.

Even when a place is open to visitors, it's critical to understand the nuance of what traveling can really mean. Consider the perspective of Carmen Teresa Targa , the San Juan-based vice president of Condado Travel and another advisory board member. She endured Hurricane Maria hitting Puerto Rico and had conflicting feelings in the aftermath. “When someone called me and asked if they should visit the island, of course I said yes,” said Targa, whose travel agency is a family-owned business. “Because their visit was going to bring in revenue. Their visit was going to help my neighbor purchase food, water, medicines, and fuel.”

At the same time, she was dealing with her own crisis. “Did I want them to come? No. I didn’t want to see any pictures on social media of people enjoying themselves on the beach, 20 minutes away from my house, while I prayed to all the generator gods to keep the machine working.”

So what’s a thoughtful traveler to do? “There will always be areas that recuperate faster than others: visit those,” suggests Targa. “Locals will always welcome visitors, especially if it’s a destination that relies on tourism, but you have to be mindful, respectful and show some empathy, especially if the destination has been through a traumatizing event.”

Carmen Teresa Targa, Condado Travel

Locals will always welcome visitors, especially if it’s a destination that relies on tourism, but you have to be mindful, respectful and show some empathy, especially if the destination has been through a traumatizing event.

I wanted to post about my trip to Marrakesh to show what was possible, what things people could do on the ground with a positive message. I decided to edit a Reel about my sidecar and motorcycle tour La Mamounia organized with Marrakesh Insiders, giving my followers a chance to see for themselves that the streets in and around the medina were clean. One thing I did not get to do: experience the Atlas Mountains, where critical relief efforts were underway, yet some properties, miraculously, were getting on their feet. At Sir Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot , a retreat just one hour outside of Marrakesh, many in the community lost their homes and there was significant damage to the main building. The Berber Tents, however, were unharmed; to enable employment, the hotel kept (and is keeping) those tents open — with 20% of the proceeds going to the E ve Branson Foundation . There were also suggestions regarding supplies (warm clothes, craft kits for kids) and voluntourism activities (trash clean up, harvesting local fruits) for those willing to make the trip. Big picture: reach out to your hotel to see if voluntourism is an option, or at the very least, if there is a list of suggested organizations accepting donations.

As sad as it is to contemplate, it’s likely we’ll see another version of the “Do I stay home or go forth? When is the right time to return?” scenario play out in another destination this year. More than one. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact moment when things feel normal. But it is clear to me that tourism — if we define it as cross-cultural exchange, a listening tour with the best of intentions — can represent opportunity, hope, and survival, all at once.

How to Help Marrakech Right Now

You might be thinking "no" to Morocco at this moment. But they need tourist dollars more than ever. And if you've never been, you are in for a treat.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

To go or not to go? A similar question arose last month about Maui. Was it unseemly to engage in non-essential travel to a place where lives were so tragically lost? Maui officials initially urged travelers to stay away, even from those parts of Maui unaffected by the catastrophic wildfires—but then changed their minds. Why heap economic woes, was the reasoning, upon natural and humanitarian ones? Still, for several hours, I agonized about it.

I almost couldn't bear not going. So much about Marrakech is so familiar to me. I've been there nine times already (also in Fes, Essaouira, and the Skoura oasis). The first time was for my honeymoon, which I spent mostly at La Mamounia , the grande dame of the city's hotels. There is nothing about Marrakech that I don't love and crave and look forward to: from the bustle and traditional treasures of its labyrinthine walled medina, a World Heritage Site, to the chic shops, restaurants, and galleries of its Europeanized Gueliz quarter; from the uniquely Moroccan charms of its hotels and riads ( zellige tiles, nejjarine woodwork, bowls of roses everywhere) to the sounds of dogs howling at night out on the Haouz, the tawny plain beneath the High Atlas Mountains upon which the city was founded in 1059 by the Almoravids, Morocco’s first Berber dynasty (originally as a military encampment and soon after as a walled city).

And how thrilling—at least for me it's always been—that just beyond those mountains, so gorgeously visible from Marrakech and over which camel caravans used to arrive from Timbuktu, stretches the Sahara desert. Le plus proche des pays lointains is how the French, romantically and Euro-centrically, have described Morocco's allure: "The nearest of the distant lands." Indeed.

I did cancel my flight. PURE hadn't been called off yet; but bets were on that at any moment it would be. And it was, as soon as the full extent of the tragedy—by far the worst of it unfolding in the fragile, mud-brick Berber villages of the High Atlas Mountains—became clear. To date, almost 3,000 are reported to have been killed, some 2,500 injured. (The Berbers, or Imazighen, "free people," as they prefer to be called, are the historically fiercely independent pre-Arab inhabitants of North Africa, and Morocco's largest ethnic group.)

Recovery up in those High Atlas settlements will likely take years, if not decades. But that should not stop you from traveling to Morocco—especially Marrakech. The airport is fully operating. The city itself, which lies 43 miles from the quake's epicenter in the mountains, is, with a few exceptions, essentially unscathed. Friends and colleagues who had arrived in Marrakech before the quake were rattled but unhurt.

One, who was staying at La Mamounia, reports running toward the open area around the hotel pool as soon as she realized what was happening: “The pool had a huge wave in it, the pool equivalent of a tsunami.” She and fellow hotel guests spent the night in the garden on pool loungers and towels on the ground, and were back in their rooms the next day.

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If you are nevertheless anxious about the appropriateness of traveling there, consider this: Two days after the earthquake, at a gathering of PURE attendees already in Marrakech, Hamid Bentahar, president of the Tourism Council of Marrakech, addressed those gathered with these words: "Please tell your friends that we are still here. Marrakech hasn't gone away." In other words, "please encourage people to come." By that time, most hotels were already assuring the public on their social media channels that they are fully open for business, including La Mamounia, Oberoi Marrakech , Fairmont Royal Palm , Mandarin Oriental ...the list goes on and on. A wedding took place at the Royal Mansour this past weekend, guests largely from the United States.

Bentahar's plea is wholly understandable: Many Moroccans who work in hospitality have families up in those Berber villages. And most families in the region, the city and the mountains, are affected, in one way or another, by the tourism industry. A weak tourist sector won't help farmers, guides, shopkeepers, drivers, chefs, weavers, seamstresses, leather workers, artists, craftspeople, and countless others rebuild their homes, livelihoods, and lives.

Working to do that on the ground are a number of local charitable organizations which are providing various combinations of medical supplies, food, water, shelter, transport, and counseling, and which are dependent on donor dollars. If you wish to help that way, these three orgs are on the lips of trusted friends of Morocco:

Education for All Morocco

This remarkable organization, whose work I witnessed first-hand, provides chaperoned dormitory housing near schools for young Moroccan women who, because of the remoteness of the mountain villages they call home, would otherwise have no reliable access to formal schooling. The destruction in the High Atlas makes its mission even more urgent. See also @efa_morocco.

Banque Alimentaire

Founded in 2002 in Casablanca, this food bank works with more than 200 associations across Morocco to provide food storage, transport, and delivery to communities in need.

Global Diversity Foundation

This philanthropic organization has been working in the High Atlas for more than a decade, supporting its traditional communities in a variety of ways. Among the current priorities are temporary shelter and clothing (winter is coming to the High Atlas) for those who have lost their homes and, in the longer term, finding solutions for earthquake-safe traditional home rebuilding.

If you are contemplating a trip to Morocco, now or later, I highly recommend the following travel advisors, both of whom specialize in Morocco, have deep local connections, and will organize for you everything from the best hotels to guides, restaurants, transport, and excursions: Hicham Mohammedi Alaoui of Experience Morocco (email: [email protected] ); and Michael Diamond of Cobblestone Private Travel (e-mail: michael@cobblestonprivatetravel).

Klara Glowczewska is the Executive Travel Editor of Town & Country , covering topics related to travel specifically (places, itineraries, hotels, trends) and broadly (conservation, culture, adventure), and was previously the Editor in Chief of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. 

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

As Morocco is hit by a devastating earthquake, is it safe to travel to Marrakech? Latest travel news

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More than 2,000 people have died after a rare, devastating earthquake struck Morocco late on Friday, September 8 – reducing some buildings in Marrakech to rubble .

Residents of Marrakech – the closest big city to the epicentre – said some buildings had collapsed in the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while Moroccan TV showed pictures of a fallen mosque minaret with rubble lying on smashed cars.

Morocco’s geophysical centre said the quake struck in the Ighil area of the High Atlas, with a magnitude of 7.2 – with the US Geological Survey putting its magnitude at 6.8.

The quake is the deadliest in the country since a 2004 tremor in Al Hoceima in the northern Rif mountains, which killed over 600 people.

Marrakech is of course a popular destination for tourists and other visitors – but in the wake of the tragedy, is it safe to visit?

Is it safe to visit Marrakech?

At the time of writing, the Foreign Office (FCDO) has not advised against travel to Morocco or Marrakech.

The advice, written on Saturday, September 9 (and still correct as of Monday, September 11) , reads: ‘An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Morocco near Marrakesh.

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‘Further aftershocks are possible. You should follow the advice of local authorities, and follow local media.’

It added: ‘All Moroccan airports are open and flights to and from the UK are operating normally, with some airlines laying on additional seats for travellers wishing to return to the UK earlier than planned.

‘Travellers wishing to change their flight plans should liaise direct with their tour operators or airline companies.

‘If you are planning to travel to Morocco imminently we advise you check with your accommodation provider / tour operator to confirm arrangements before departure in case of disruption or damage resulting from the earthquake.’

Marrakech Airport reportedly remains open and flights are continuing to take off and land as normal.

A number of flights from airlines including British Airways from Heathrow, easyJet from Gatwick, WizzAir from Gatwick and Ryanair from Manchester and Stansted were set to operate as normal as of Saturday.

As the FCDO advises, anyone who does have a trip to Morocco booked in the coming days should keep an eye on developments and contact their airline to confirm the flight is still going ahead.

Easyjet offered advice to customers at the weekend, saying: ‘The airports are open and our schedule to Morocco is operating as normal today, but we advise any customers travelling to check the status of their flight on our Flight Tracker or via the app.

‘Customers scheduled to travel to or from Morocco who wish to discuss their booking should contact our customer service team.’

Can I fly home if I’m already in Marrakech?

If you do decide to leave Morocco earlier than planned, you should contact your airline or tour operator to discuss this – as seats on earlier flights may still be available.

However, as current advice has not been to leave the country or not travel, it’s not clear whether you would be offered a refund in this instance, or be able to claim on your travel insurance.

MORE : More than 2,000 killed after rare and powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake hits Morocco

MORE : Morocco’s worst earthquake in 120 years has left thousands dead – map shows where it hit and how far it spread

MORE : ‘My dad, my mum, my sister, my brothers – all of them died in the earthquake’

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Morocco earthquake: Is it safe to travel to Marrakech?

Morocco was hit with a devastating earthquake of 6.8 magnitude on Friday, September 8, leaving nearly 3,000 people dead and thousands injured .

As rescue efforts continue, officials are expecting the number of dead and injured to continue rising significantly.

Meanwhile, many tourists who had been planning to visit the famed city of Marrakech have been wondering if it is safe or wise to go ahead with their holiday.

Here is a look at the factors to consider before making your decision about travelling to Marrakech.

Is it safe to travel to Marrakech?

Following the earthquake, tens of aftershocks have been taking place across the country.

The epicentre of the quake was about 70 km south-west of Marrakech and the city has definitely felt the impact of both the earthquake and its aftershocks. A number of buildings have been damaged and collapsed following the disaster, including the Unesco World Heritage Site of Medina.

The US Geological Survey has highlighted 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”.

So, even if the buildings you were planning to stay in or visit haven’t collapsed during the earthquake, they may have sustained significant damage and might collapse in the coming times.

The day after the earthquake, on Saturday, September 9, the UK Foreign Office said: “On Friday 8 September 2023 an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Morocco near Marrakech.

“Further aftershocks are possible. You should follow the advice of local authorities, and follow local media.”

Are flights to Marrakech still going ahead?

Despite the disaster, flights to and from Marrakech have continued to operate.

EasyJet and British Airways added extra capacity with larger aircraft on flights to London on Saturday, September 9, to accommodate passengers who wanted to come home early.

And some operators are allowing their customers to reschedule their travel . British Airways, for instance, is letting passengers who are due to travel to or from Marrakech before September 24 change the dates of their flights for free. Similarly, Air France is letting customers modify or postpone their flights without an additional charge.

Will travelling to Marrakech impact the locals negatively?

Given the humanitarian crisis the country is currently suffering, tourists who visit Morocco might put extra strain on the limited resources the nation has.

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For this reason, some have opted to cancel or postpone their holiday, so that the food, water, and other resources they would consume while in Morocco can be saved for the locals instead.

Plus, many Moroccans have been left without a home in the aftermath of the quake, so hotels with extra space might decide to offer them shelter if they have the availability.

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Morocco travel advice: Is it safe to travel to Marrakech right now?

The death toll is rising following a catastrophic earthquake in Morocco late at night on Friday 8 September. More than 2,000 people have been killed and injured after the 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck.

The epicentre was about 70km (43 miles) southwest of Marrakech – the fourth-biggest city in Morocco, and by far the most popular draw for international visitors.

Thousands of British holidaymakers are in the area, with many thousands more booked to go there during September. This is the travel picture.

How many British holidaymakers are in the vicinity?

The Independent calculates from flight data that around 5,000-8,000 UK holidaymakers are in the Marrakech area. Many are staying in the ancient heart of the city, or in modern hotels on the outskirts.

Trekking in the Atlas mountains is also popular, particularly in autumn when temperatures start to drop.

Is Marrakech airport still open and operating?

Yes, and a large number of UK flights have arrived and departed since the earthquake, including British Airways , easyJet and Tui from London Gatwick, easyJet from Luton, Ryanair from London Stansted and Tui from Birmingham and Manchester.

On Saturday both British Airways and easyJet deployed larger aircraft on their flights to London in order to accommodate passengers who wanted to come home early.

All other airports in Morocco are running normally.

What are the options for British travellers who want to leave the area?

At present there are no plans for an airlift. In the absence of confirmation to the contrary, the assumption will be that you travel home as planned.

If I come home early, will I be able to claim on travel insurance?

Not necessarily: the first line of action will be to contact your travel company and ask if you can leave early. They may well put arrangements in place. Travel insurance will be relevant only in the event of potential danger.

I am booked to travel to the Marrakech area imminently. Can I cancel?

Many thousands of people will be in this position: not wishing to put additional strain on a location enduring a humanitarian crisis; uncomfortable about going on holiday to a scene of such tragedy; or concerned about the possibility of aftershocks.

At present there are no clear grounds to cancel without penalty; the Foreign Office stops well short of warning against travel to the region.

The updated travel advice says: “All Moroccan airports are open and flights to and from the UK are operating normally, with some airlines laying on additional seats for travellers wishing to return to the UK earlier than planned.

“Travellers wishing to change their flight plans should liaise direct with their tour operators or airline companies.

“If you are planning to travel to Morocco imminently we advise you check with your accommodation provider/tour operator to confirm arrangements before departure in case of disruption or damage resulting from the earthquake.

“Should you require consular assistance please call the British Embassy in Rabat on +212 537 63 33 33 and select the menu option for consular services, or call the Foreign Office on +44 207 008 5000.”

The presumption is that almost all holidays will go ahead as normal. The main exceptions: trips based at specific properties which are currently unable to receive guests due to the earthquakes, and Atlas treks

The US Embassy in the Moroccan capital, Rabat , is telling American citizens: “Local hospitals and resources in the most affected areas may become strained. Hospitals in Marrakech and major cities are currently open but have limited capacity.

“Avoid affected areas and follow police instructions regarding road closures or traffic disruptions. Airports and local transportation are open and functioning.”

What are the airlines saying?

These are the positions of the major airlines:

British Airways is offering flexibility to passengers booked to Marrakech in the next two weeks. A BA spokesperson said: “The welfare of our customers is our priority, and we have contacted our British Airways Holidays customers in Morocco to check that they’re safe.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation closely, and customers due to travel to or from Marrakech in the next two weeks can change their dates free of charge if they wish.”

EasyJet ’s spokesperson said: “EasyJet’s thoughts are with everyone affected by the earthquake in Morocco.

“If you are scheduled to travel to or from Morocco in the next few days, and wish to discuss your booking please contact our customer service team..”

The number for easyJet customer services is 0330 551 5151. It is possible booked passengers will be offered flexibility allowing them to postpone or to change destinations.

Ryanair ’s spokesperson said: “There may be some potential delays and cancellations to/from Morocco today due to the earthquake.

“Affected passengers will be notified and passengers travelling to/from Morocco today should check their Ryanair app for flight updates before travelling to the airport.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our passengers and offer our deepest sympathies to those affected.”

What do the holiday companies say?

A spokesperson for Tui said: “We are aware of and deeply saddened by the devastating earthquakes which took place about 70km southwest of Marrakech. Our thoughts are with the people in Morocco, the victims and their families.

“Our teams are currently working on the ground in resort, supporting customers where needed and in contact with local authorities and partners to continue to assess the situation. In addition, customers have access to the Tui contact centre and the 24/7 Tui app, where they can speak directly with a member of staff.

“We can confirm that there has been no change in the Foreign Office advice and the next planned TUI Airways flight is on Monday 11 September. Customers travelling on Tui holidays with other airlines on Sunday or Monday have or will be contacted by a member of the team to discuss their options.

Jet2, the other big package holiday company, does not operate to Morocco.

I don’t believe I will be able to have a safe and enjoyable holiday. What are my rights?

It is too early to establish the amount of damage and disruption to the area, and in particular tourist facilities.

More seismic activity will continue, according to the US Geological Survey: “It’s likely that smaller aftershocks in the region ... will continue to be felt for weeks to come. In some cases, there may be strong aftershocks.”

Even so, with no Foreign Office warning against travel: if you choose not to travel before your holiday company makes a decision, you are likely to lose most or all of your money.

What about travel elsewhere in Morocco?

The main holiday locations, including Agadir and Essaouira, are believed to be unaffected. A Londoner currently travelling on Morocco’s Atlantic coast said he “felt the tremors very strongly” during the earthquake.

Alex Folkes is staying in Taghazout, north of Agadir – about 80km (50 miles) from the epicentre of the earthquake.

He told The Independent : “Felt the tremors very strongly but no apparent damage or injury in the town. Place is back to normal (as far as I can tell) this morning. Obviously very different to Marrakech and Atlas villages. Condolences to all who have suffered.”

Is Morocco an earthquake-prone area?

Not especially, but when they occur they tend to be deadly. The most devastating was in Agadir in 1960, when 12,000-15,000 people died. The town has now been rebuilt and is a popular resort.

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Is it safe to travel to Morocco? Latest Foreign Office advice after 6.8 magnitude earthquake leaves 2,000 dead

The uk foreign office said all moroccan airports are open with flights to and from the uk operating normally.

More than 2,000 people have been killed and a further 2,000 injured in Morocco’s deadliest earthquake since 1960.

Friday’s 6.8-magnitude quake struck around 50 miles from Marrakech .

The UK Foreign Office has issued advice regarding travel to and from Morocco.

When did the earthquake strike?

The 6.8 earthquake struck in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains late on Friday night with its epicentre near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province.

Most of the fatalities, currently standing at 2,012, were reported in the mountainous areas to the south. Of the 2,059 injured, 1,404 are in a critical condition, according to the country’s interior minister. 

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported : “At 11:11 pm local time, the US Geological Survey’s National Earthquake Information Center detected the relatively shallow earthquake, at a depth of about 26 km, or 16 miles, near the ski resort of Oukaïmedene.

“This rural area, about 75 km (50 miles) southwest of Marrakech, includes many residences that are vulnerable to shaking.”

It added: “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.”

Buildings in Marrakech’s old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have also been damaged.

What is the advice from the Foreign Office?

The Foreign Office said further aftershocks are possible , so people should follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

In its update, it added that all Moroccan airports are open and flights to and from the UK are operating normally.

Some airlines are laying on additional seats for travellers wishing to return to the UK earlier than planned.

Travellers wishing to change their flight plans should liaise directly with their tour operators or airline companies, it advised.

Update on Morocco earthquake: ➡️ British nationals should follow the advice of local authorities, and follow local media. ➡️ Marrakech and Agadir airports are open and flights to and from the UK are operating normally. Travellers wishing to change their flight plans should… pic.twitter.com/5VFfT73x9i — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) September 9, 2023

The Foreign Office added: “If you are planning to travel to Morocco imminently we advise you check with your accommodation provider/tour operator to confirm arrangements before departure in case of disruption or damage resulting from the earthquake.”

For more information, you can follow and contact FCDO Travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when advice is updated.

It added that British nationals who require consular assistance can call the British Embassy Rabat on +212 (0) 537 63 33 33 and select the menu option for consular services.

What is the latest with the rescue operation?

Many of the now-homeless survivors spent Saturday night sleeping rough .

The Moroccan armed forces will deploy rescue teams to provide affected areas with clean drinking water, food supplies, tents and blankets, it added.

People are also searching for their neighbours buried on the slopes, where houses of mud brick, stone and rough wood were cracked open.

On Saturday, Morocco declared three days of national mourning, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the country.

King Mohammed VI ordered water, food rations and shelter to be provided for those who have lost their homes.

He also called for mosques to hold prayers on Sunday across the country for the victims.

Earthquake hits New York City with tremors felt in Philadelphia and Boston

What has been the response to the earthquake.

Turkey has expressed solidarity and offered to provide support.

Algeria, which broke off ties with Morocco in 2021, said it would open airspace for humanitarian and medical flights.

According to the Associated Press, the United Nations said it was working with Moroccan authorities to see how international partners can provide support.

Spain will send search and rescue teams and other aid.

* Additional reporting Reuters and Associated Press

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After the Earthquake in Morocco, Tourists Grapple With the Ethics of Travel

Last week’s disaster raises questions that also emerged in Maui, Greece and other hard-hit places. Is the presence of tourists a hindrance? Or can visitors, and the revenue they bring in, help?

By Ceylan Yeginsu

Some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations — Turkey, Greece, Hawaii and, now, Morocco — have been ravaged by disaster this year, with earthquakes, wildfires and floods razing entire towns and villages, killing residents, and destroying or damaging cultural monuments.

The series of catastrophic events has left many tourists in a conundrum over how to respond. Those already in a country in the wake of a disaster debate whether they should stay or leave. Those with upcoming trips wonder if they should cancel. Can they and the revenue they bring in be of any real help, or will they be a burden? How appropriate is it to let tourism go on while a nation is in a state of collective mourning and rescue efforts are underway?

There are no easy answers, travel experts say. Each disaster’s impact is unique, and while travelers are advised to follow the guidance of government officials in the aftermath of such events, local communities don’t always agree on the best course of action. After the Maui wildfires destroyed much of the town of Lahaina in August, killing at least 115 people, residents on the island, which depends on tourist dollars, clashed over the decision to allow tourism to continue while locals grieved for all that was lost.

In Morocco, however, where a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Atlas Mountains southwest of Marrakesh on Friday, killing thousands, the outlook is more unified. With the high tourism season underway and most of the destruction affecting rural areas far from tourist hot spots, many locals are eager for foreign visitors to keep coming so that they can support the economy and bring in funds for relief efforts.

“After Covid, the abandonment of tourists would be terrible for Marrakesh, where so many resources come from tourism,” said Mouna Anajjar, the editor in chief of I Came for Couscous , a local feature magazine. “Directly or indirectly, all the inhabitants are linked to this resource and would be terribly affected.”

Here’s what travelers faced with the prospect of visiting a country where devastation has struck should think about.

Is the place open for tourism?

Check official government guidance and local media reports to assess the situation on the ground. When the deadly wildfires swept through parts of Maui last month, the local authorities urged tourists to stay home . So far, the Moroccan government hasn’t issued any statements beyond the status of rescue efforts, and the country’s tourism office did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The British Foreign Office advised its citizens planning to travel to the country to check with their tour providers about any disruptions.

While the U.S. State Department has not updated its travel advisory to Morocco, it is a good idea to check the website before traveling to any country that has been struck by disaster.

Establish exactly where the disaster hit and which areas have been affected. When Greece was ravaged by wildfires in July and thousands of tourists were evacuated from the islands of Rhodes and Corfu, many tourists canceled their vacations, even those traveling to unaffected areas. The Greek tourism minister issued a response, highlighting that the majority of the country, including parts of the affected islands, remained safe for tourists.

When the earthquake struck Morocco on Friday, it was felt in many popular tourist destinations, including Marrakesh and the towns of Imsouane and Essaouira, but most of the damage is concentrated close to the epicenter in Al Haouz Province. In the immediate aftermath of the quake, most Morocco tours were canceled as operators scrambled to make critical safety assessments, making sure that all their clients and staff were accounted for and that tourists were not hindering rescue efforts.

But now, having established that the damage is localized in rural areas and following government guidance, most tours are up and running with some amended itineraries. Hotels have largely been unaffected, according to Morocco’s hotel association.

“There are areas inside the Marrakesh medina that have been damaged, some historical monuments are closed, but most areas inside the cities are totally OK to be visited,” said Zina Bencheikh, the managing director of Intrepid Travel’s Europe, Middle East and Africa operations, who was born in Marrakesh. “The majority of the country is open, with airports, schools, hotels, shops and restaurants operating as normal under the shock of the incident.”

Intrepid Travel had 600 customers in Morocco on the night of the earthquake, and only 17 have cut their trips short. TUI, Europe’s largest travel operator, said that some of its itineraries were under review, but that the majority of its guests had decided to stay on after the company carried out safety inspections and chose to support keeping Morocco open.

As a tourist, will I be a burden on local communities?

When a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey in February, Turkish Airlines, the country’s national carrier, canceled dozens of flights across the country to open up resources for rescue efforts. During the Maui wildfires, airlines also canceled flights to Hawaii so that they could use the planes to fly passengers back to the mainland. Most of West Maui is still closed to tourists but is expected to reopen on Oct. 8.

In Morocco, the hardest-hit areas in the Atlas Mountains are currently cordoned off as rescue efforts are underway, and tourists are not advised to go into those areas. But tourism activities are encouraged in other areas of the country that haven’t been affected.

Hafida Hdoubane, a guide based in Marrakesh who takes visitors on hiking and trekking excursions , urged visitors to come, arguing that the danger from the earthquake had long passed and that the authorities in Marrakesh were carefully cordoning off any buildings showing signs of damage.

She said those who called to cancel their expeditions felt uneasy about vacationing in a country that had just experienced such devastation, but that locals did not share that view. “I think it’s best to come and show that life goes on,” she said. “What a mountain tourist can do to help is come, show that they are here and that they stand in solidarity.”

Should I change my behavior?

Most locals will not expect you to, but it is important to be receptive and mindful of the mood around you.

In Maui, the sight of tourists sunbathing on the beach as rescue teams searched for survivors outraged grieving residents, setting off a social media campaign calling for them to leave.

“The people of Morocco will say don’t switch Morocco off,” said Ms. Bencheikh of Intrepid Travel.

Ángel Esquinas, the regional director of the Barceló Hotel Group, which has properties in Marrakesh, Casablanca and Fez, said there was no immediate need for tourists to cut their trips short unless they felt it necessary.

“It is absolutely acceptable for tourists to continue with their planned activities, such as going on tours, lounging by the pool or enjoying nightlife. Morocco remains a vibrant and welcoming destination,” he said. “However, we encourage visitors to be mindful of their surroundings and exercise respect for the local communities’ particular circumstances. It’s important to strike a balance between supporting the local economy and not overwhelm the community.”

Cassandra Karinsky, a co-founder of Plus-61 , a popular restaurant in Marrakesh, said she reopened a day after the earthquake to provide an environment for locals to unite at a difficult time. “We’ve had a lot of cancellations, but we’re coming together now to raise money and support our local communities and it’s starting to get busy again.”

She said the mood was more somber than usual and people were still in shock, but that tourists were mindful and respectful of locals.

“People still need to eat, and every day there’s a more optimistic atmosphere to come together to help and move forward,” she said.

What can I do to help?

Visiting a country can be a big support to disaster relief efforts, as many locals depend on tourism revenue for their livelihoods. In Morocco, tourism accounts for 7.1 percent of the gross domestic product and is a crucial source of income for low- to middle-income families. Many restaurants and hotels have started funding campaigns to help their employees and their families in the most affected areas.

You can donate to some of the aid organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies that are responding to the disaster. And Intrepid Foundation, the travel company’s charity, has begun an earthquake appeal campaign for Morocco to support efforts to provide food, shelter, clean water and medical assistance to local communities.

In Hawaii, the Hawaii Community Foundation continues to run a fund supporting the long-term needs of those affected by the wildfires.

If you are a tourist already in a country that has been hit by a disaster, consider donating blood at blood banks, which are often set up in the aftermath of natural disasters.

“We just came out of a big lunch and saw a blood donation center, and it felt like the right thing to do,” said Tony Osborne, a 52-year-old tennis coach from London who was visiting Marrakesh with his family during the earthquake. “The Moroccans have been so welcoming. I just wish we could do even more to help.”

Aurelien Breeden contributed reporting.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter. She was previously a correspondent for the International desk in Britain and Turkey, covering politics; social justice; the migrant crisis; the Kurdish conflict, and the rise of Islamic State extremism in Syria and the region. More about Ceylan Yeginsu

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After Morocco’s devastating earthquake, the tourism industry rallies round

Travel and tour operators are getting involved in the country’s relief effort, knowing how vital tourism is to its economy

“My family is safe,” our tour guide Sara Chakir said as we huddled in the streets outside Fez’s medina, waiting for aftershocks until the early hours. Morocco’s 6.8 magnitude earthquake had struck last Friday, 350 miles away in the Al Haouz region of the High Atlas mountains at just after 11pm. It was enough to send our riad swaying, but there was no apparent damage to people or place. It was only in the morning that the scale of destruction elsewhere was clear. Another tour guide, Hossain ait Mhand, said: “My family is fine, but others in their town are not so lucky – homes have been flattened.”

I was on my way to a conference in Marrakech, about 40 miles north of where the earthquake was centred, but detoured home. Those already in the city saw blood bank queues snaking around the streets after a government call out. Marrakech’s medina experienced damage, and 50 people were reported to have died there. Tourists trickled out of the city.

Three days later, the death toll was almost 3,000, and with more than 5,000 people injured. Some of Morocco’s most remote communities were the hardest hit, making recovery efforts difficult. Some villages are still waiting for relief; in others, rescuers have little hope – ancient clay buildings have crumbled entirely. The village of Tafeghaghte, for example, has lost 90 of its 400 residents.

Though the Al Haouz region is a popular hiking destination edging into peak season, tourists have been relatively unharmed.

Chris McHugo, co-owner of the community-run hotel Kasbah du Toubkal, said: “Here in Imlil, the damage is less than in other places. It’s partly because tourism has funded building work here, meaning the village is more structurally sound than others. The old part of our kasbah is damaged, but the rooms were unharmed.”

Others have not been as fortunate. In the quiet village of Agnie, a beautiful, locally owned lodge I visited last year, Chez Momo II, has been badly damaged.

Just down the road in Asni, Education For All , a charity providing boarding and support so that girls from the region’s most remote communities can go to school, has been devastated by the earthquake. Its chief executive, Sonia Omar, has said it will have to rebuild at least five of the six boarding houses.

“Our immediate need is confirming our girls’ safety and cooperating with aid agencies to get food, water, blankets, torches and medical supplies where they are most needed,” she said. There are still 55 girls unaccounted for. The charity has started emergency fundraising focused on long-term repair.

Morocco had a record-breaking 2.9 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2023, and the travel industry has been quick to rally support. The Intrepid Foundation , run by the adventure travel company Intrepid Travel – which takes groups to destinations around the country – is fundraising for its two NGO partners on the ground: Education For All for long-term relief and the High Atlas Foundation for immediate relief. The latter usually runs sustainable infrastructure projects, so it is well placed to redeploy services. So far, Intrepid has raised AUS$340,582 (£176,620) after fund matching the first AUS$100,000.

Much Better Adventures is donating 5% of its September revenue to the High Atlas Foundation. Exodus Adventure Travels has launched fundraising for React disaster response , and Global Giving‘s Morocco Earthquake Relief Fund is supporting immediate needs. This week The Conscious Travel Foundation rallied industry support at a fundraiser in London, where they raised £10,000 and discussed how best to respond to these kinds of disasters.

For those travelling to Morocco imminently, the Foreign Office advice is to check with travel companies and tour operators before departing, though the industry’s overall message is one of still encouraging people to travel.

Intrepid has adapted itineraries that involve the Atlas mountains region, and other tour operators are doing the same. The message from tour guides, NGOs, and travel businesses is increasingly clear: continuing to travel responsibly is an important part of support.

“Our message is strong,” said Gail Leonard from the local operator Plan-it Morocco. “Your tourism dollar is critical to the ongoing relief effort here in Morocco.” Jarrod Kyte, the product and sustainability director at Steppes Travel, who was in the mountains during the earthquake, agrees. Steppes’ partner at Hotel Dar Ahlam in Skoura told me: “Beyond the aid that is being provided, tourist arrivals constitute a message of hope and support that is just as necessary and vital for Morocco.”

• Morocco holidays
• Middle East and north Africa
• Morocco earthquake 2023
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Morocco Earthquake 2023: Your Comprehensive Travel Guide to Marrakesh

• September 14, 2023

In the wake of the devastating 2023 Morocco earthquake, travelers worldwide are seeking comprehensive guidance on venturing into Marrakesh, a city that stands as a testament to Morocco’s rich heritage. This article serves as your detailed travel guide, offering insights into the affected areas, safety measures, and how you can contribute to the ongoing relief efforts.

Understanding the Impact of the 2023 Morocco Earthquake :

The recent seismic activity has significantly marked several regions of Morocco, with Marrakesh bearing a considerable brunt. The earthquake, registering a magnitude of 6.8, had its epicenter in the Atlas Mountains, affecting numerous villages and causing considerable damage in Marrakesh, particularly in the historic medina, a UNESCO world heritage site.

The Situation in Marrakesh Post-Earthquake :

Marrakesh, renowned for its vibrant culture and historic landmarks, now witnesses substantial damage, especially in the medina area where many buildings have collapsed. The age of these structures, coupled with the earthquake’s shallow epicenter, exacerbated the damage. Local teams are leading full-swing rescue efforts, focusing on remote mountain villages where the majority of casualties occurred.

Travel Adjustments and Safety Measures :

As the region grapples with the aftermath, we urge travelers to stay informed and make responsible decisions. If you have included Marrakesh in your travel itinerary, it’s prudent to consult with your tour operator for the latest updates and possible adjustments.

Advice for Travelers :

Travelers planning to visit Marrakesh should remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines issued by local authorities. Experts anticipate that the region will experience aftershocks in the coming days, necessitating a reassessment of travel plans.

Changes in Travel Itineraries :

Major tour operators have swiftly amended their itineraries, avoiding the Atlas Mountains and minimizing time in Marrakesh. Companies like Intrepid Travel are offering affected customers refunds and flexible options for altering their travel dates.

Exploring Unaffected Regions :

Despite the grim circumstances, Morocco still beckons travelers with its unaffected regions that continue to showcase the nation’s rich culture and scenic beauty. Cities like Agadir and Essaouira have experienced only minor damage, while other regions, including Casablanca and Fez, remain untouched.

Encouraging Tourism in Unaffected Areas :

Travelers are encouraged to retain their bookings in unaffected areas, supporting the local economy heavily reliant on tourism. Casablanca, with its cinematic allure and art deco architecture, and Fez, a hub of Moroccan culture , stand as safe and enjoyable travel destinations.

How to Help: Contributing to 2023 Morocco Earthquake Relief Efforts

In these trying times, global citizens can extend their support to the affected communities in Morocco. Intrepid Travel has initiated a fundraising campaign to aid the relief efforts, matching donations up to £50,000.

Supporting the Community Affected by the 2023 Morocco Earthquake :

You can contribute to the cause and assist those impacted by visiting the Morocco Earthquake Appeal . Your support can go a long way in helping the communities rebuild and recover from this catastrophe.

Conclusion :

As Morocco navigates through the repercussions of the 2023 earthquake, it’s imperative for travelers to stay abreast of the latest developments and make informed decisions. While Marrakesh and surrounding regions are on the path to recovery, other parts of Morocco welcome visitors with open arms, promising a rich and fulfilling travel experience.

Discover the Resilient Marrakech: A City of Unwavering Spirit

Marrakech Travel Guide: Your Gateway to the Pearl of the South

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Marrakesh tourism operators urge people to travel to Morocco after the earthquake

'more than ever we really need people to come and support us now,' says one business owner.

Tourists in Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakesh days after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco. EPA

Life is normal in the streets of Marrakesh, says Laila Lamb, despite the damage and debris after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck only 70 kilometres south-west of the city late on Friday.

Lamb is Moroccan, but grew up in New York City, and she owns a travel and events company that operates in her home country, where she now lives. She only narrowly missed the disaster , having left on a plane to Italy for an event on Friday evening. When she landed a few hours later, her phone pinged endlessly with messages from concerned friends and family.

When she realised what had happened, and understood the magnitude of the tragedy, she went into action. She’s spent the past three days on her phone, mobilising fellow tourism and hospitality business owners, and organising relief efforts.

“The city has superficial damages,” she tells The National over Zoom, speaking fast and frantically pacing around. “A lot of facades have been damaged and in the old city, because the construction is old, there was more destruction, but very low compared to other parts.”

The medina, a Unesco World Heritage Site , is the worst hit area of the city, with crumbling walls and damaged buildings that have been around since the 12th century.

The epicentre of the earthquake was up in the Atlas Mountains, an area that’s home to many isolated villages with no road access, which is where the most devastating damage has taken place. “People are burying the dead and waiting for help,” says Lamb, who knows those who have lost family members and had their entire village wiped out.

As of Tuesday, the death toll is creeping closer to 3,000 and Unicef has said at least 100,000 children have been affected. While the country experiences frequent earthquakes, the last major tremor, in 2004, killed 628 people.

Survivors in Talat N'Yaaqoub receive much-needed aid after the earthquake that struck Morocco. Reuters

The Atlas Mountains are also a very popular tourist destination. Charlie Shepherd, the British owner of Epic Travel, which designs custom trips for travellers in Morocco and Portugal, had a group staying in a hotel in the mountains when the earthquake hit, he tells The National . As the property crumbled, Shepherd’s team spent the night getting people out and to safety in Marrakesh, which “was essentially in pretty good nick,” he says. “Particularly in the new part of the city, which was a bit of a safe haven.”

He has since driven around the mountains to get an idea of the damage, assessing whether his clients should still come. “From what I see is absolutely, yes,” says Shepherd. So far, Epic Travel has only received one cancellation. “But we’re a fairly niche company, we don’t have huge volume and we also have close communications with our direct clients... There’s a tendency for people to go along with us as we’re on the ground," he says.

“There are definitely cancellations coming in elsewhere, which is to be expected as that does tend to happen and it’s a knee-jerk reaction,” he adds. “I think hotels will get hit quite badly by that. They don’t have the chance to speak to people and that’s key.”

After taking a couple of days to do due diligence, Shepherd is telling his clients it's safe to come. Some operators on the ground, however, have postponed tours and are offering refunds, and, naturally, any tours to certain areas of the Atlas Mountains are on hold indefinitely.

Philomena Schurer Merckoll, a hotelier with Riad Mena, emphasises how reliant Marrakesh is on tourism for its economy. Figures show that pre-pandemic, in 2019, the industry contributed up to 12 per cent of the country's GDP, with a total value of about 140.4 billion Moroccan dirhams ($15.6 million), according to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council. The country had projected a return to pre-pandemic levels this year.

"Obviously the worry is that people will cancel their trips to Marrakesh," says Merckoll. "Things will be back to normal quite quickly in the city and the best way to support the people is to keep your trips as planned and support local businesses from hotels to the artisans in the souqs."

But Lamb says she has found people around the world seem to think Marrakesh has been destroyed. "What I really want people to know is that it is safe to visit Morocco. More than ever we really need people to come and support us now.”

Moroccans want the world to know their country is open, Shepherd adds. "They need help and support through what tourism can bring.

“The solidarity of everybody here is just unbelievable. It would take a lot more than an earthquake to crush the spirit of Moroccans.”

'Be assured that the recovery in Marrakesh will be quick'

The airport, located in the west of the city, is operating as normal, although some flights have been cancelled or delayed over the past few days. The US Embassy in Morocco recommends contacting airlines directly about potential changes to any trips.

The UK foreign office confirms flights to and from the UK are operating normally, with some airlines, including British Airways, laying on additional seats for travellers wanting to go home earlier than planned. “If you are planning to travel to Morocco imminently, we advise you check with your accommodation provider / tour operator to confirm arrangements before departure in case of disruption or damage resulting from the earthquake,” a statement reads on its website.

Meanwhile, the UAE operates no direct flights to Marrakesh Menara Airport, as Emirates serves Casablanca, while Etihad Airways offers a code share with Royal Air Maroc, with flights going through European cities including Istanbul and Barcelona. The local Moroccan airline is offering free date changes to customers who are travelling up until September 23. British Airways Holidays is doing the same for anyone travelling to or from Marrakesh in the next two weeks.

Hotels in the city are also open for business, although some, including Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakesh and Nobu Hotel Marrakech, which only opened in January , sustained minor damage, The National confirmed. El Fenn Hotel, a luxury property in the medina, also reported cosmetic damage and has closed its rooftop and boutique until Wednesday afternoon.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by El Fenn Hotel Marrakech (@elfennmarrakech)

“Be assured that the recovery in Marrakesh will be quick, but it will be a far longer process for many rural communities,” the hotel shared in a post on social media. “We hope many of you will participate in the process by donating, travelling and supporting this beautiful land we’re proud to call home.”

It's properties in the mountains that have sustained the most damage, says Shepherd, making it difficult for tourists to visit those areas for now.

Souvenir shops and other stalls in the old town have also experienced destruction, particularly broken stock, says Lamb, and all of the events she’s heard of within the next month or so in the city have been postponed or called off.

Travellers must also be wary that hospitals in the area have limited capacity as they treat survivors.

But the government is reacting "extremely well", says Lamb, particularly with cleaning up the streets and removing debris. "There’s such an incredible effort to have everything rebuilt. The Moroccan people are incredible. I can’t believe what I’ve seen in the past 48 hours. People mobilising together, it's been the most heartwarming community effort."

Will there be any lasting impact on travel and tourism?

“I think for the next few months there will definitely be an impact [on tourism], but I personally think after December things will bounce back,” says Lamb.

Shepherd is also optimistic there won’t be any lasting impact on the local tourism industry, although in the short term he says it’s a “complex picture”.

For now, everyone in the city is focused on rebuilding. Both Shepherd and Lamb are involved in separate donation campaigns. Lamb flew back on Tuesday to join the 20 or so other entrepreneurs who are part of her relief efforts as they continue to collect money, food, water, beds, tents and trucks. Together they have raised more than $20,000 so far.

Shepherd’s company, meanwhile, has set up a funding page for Afoulki, a local NGO that helps women and families and is now working to relieve affected areas. Through that, they’ve raised more than €20,000. “We’re also using some of our cars to ferry supplies up to the mountains. We’re just doing what we can, really.”

In the UAE, tour operator Forever Tourism, which offers trips between Dubai and Morocco, is already planning promotional packages for its clients to "help attract visitors back to the region and provide an economic boost to local businesses", owner Kapil Sahansi confirmed to The National.

“I really encourage people to come,” says Shepherd. “Moroccans are such hospitable people in their nature. Hospitality has risen up from the Sahara, it’s something everyone has here and they’re delighted to see people from abroad and never more so than now.

“It’s really an act of support to come out to Morocco.”

Lamb agrees. “Our culture is very special and people, when they come here, always talk about how hospitable and kind Moroccans are. It really shines in times like this," she says.

“The uniqueness and how kind and giving and open-hearted our culture is – I think it’s because of that, that we will be able to bounce back quickly.”

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Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now? Latest travel advice

Here is the latest foreign office advice following iran’s military attack on israel.

O n April 19, Israel reportedly launched a retaliatory attack on Iran , in response to missile and drone attacks on Israel on April 13. The UK Foreign Office’s advice for Morocco has not changed following this, however it has highlighted that the situation is “changing fast”, and that visitors should monitor its advice before their trip. Additionally, it advises visitors that it’s more important than ever to get travel insurance and check that it provides sufficient cover before visiting the country.

Just three hours’ flight away with an hour’s time difference, Morocco is a short-haul option that offers holidaymakers endless variety at often incredibly affordable prices. The earthquake in the Atlas Mountains in September 2023 has deterred some tourists, but there are still plenty of reasons to visit. In cities like Marrakesh and Rabat, magnificent examples of Arabic architecture can be found in mosques, schools and historic sites, while expansive souks offer up the equivalent of Aladdin’s cave, filled with trinkets, carpets and handmade furniture. A bohemian vibe permeates its west coast, especially in Essaouira, where surfers flock for the reliable waves and affordable hotels. And then there are the mountains and desert for those looking for adventure.

What’s the latest government advice about travelling to Morocco?

The UK Foreign Office does not currently advise against travelling to any part of Morocco. However, it does state that terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks. In particular, there is an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to Daesh (formerly ISIL) and other extremist groups.

The places highlighted as being at heightened risk include crowded areas, government buildings, transport networks, businesses with Western interests, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather. You should stay vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities, the Foreign Office advises.

• Best hotels in Morocco • Best hotels in Marrakesh

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Has morocco been affected by the israel-hamas conflict.

Geographically speaking, as Morocco is very far from Israel it’s not directly affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

At the end of December 2020, Israel and Morocco also signed a normalisation agreement, which means both nations recognise each other’s sovereignty and are committed to establishing normal diplomatic relations.

However, within Morocco there is significant support for Palestinians with rallies taking place in the capital Rabat. The Foreign Office advises avoiding any kind of political protests.

• Is it safe to travel to Jordan right now? • Is it safe to travel to Dubai right now? • Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? • Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now? • Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now?

Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now?

There’s no reason not to travel to Morocco, but there are some safety considerations to bear in mind.

Although there have been no recent kidnappings of foreign nationals, the UK Foreign Office warns that this cannot be ruled out in advice that also applies to other countries in northern Africa. The threat comes from terror groups from Libya, Mauritania, and the Sahel, who use it for financial or political gain.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and drive-by motorcycle theft are common in Morocco, particularly in tourist areas such historic quarters and beaches. There have also been occasional reports of violent crime where weapons such as knives have been used against tourists in street attacks and burglary. The Foreign Office advises avoiding quiet areas after dark and not to carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you.

Which areas were affected by the 2023 earthquake?

Close to 3,000 people died in Morocco after a devastating earthquake hit a remote area of the Atlas Mountains on September 8, 2023. Most of the deaths and injuries occurred in the mountain villages, which are often remote and difficult to access.

In Marrakesh, the nearest tourist hub, some buildings collapsed or were damaged as a result of the earthquake. Most of the damage was in the medina, a Unesco world heritage site and the oldest part of the city. Many of the buildings here are historic, and were not built to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes.

Agadir and Essaouira also experienced some superficial damage to buildings but were otherwise unaffected by the earthquake.

The country is, however, open to tourism, and the income from tourism is certainly appreciated by those affected by the earthquake.

• Best riads in Marrakesh • Best villas in Morocco

What are Morocco’s entry requirements?

British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Morocco for the purpose of tourism, and they can stay for up to 90 days. To stay for longer than 90 days, request an extension at a local police station.

Your passport should be valid for at least three months on the day you enter Morocco. Your passport should not be damaged as otherwise you may be refused entry. You should also make sure your passport is stamped on entry, as you may experience difficulties leaving.

Is Morocco safe for female travellers?

Morocco is generally considered safe for female travellers, especially in holiday resorts. However, if you’re travelling alone, you may receive unwanted attention from men. The Foreign Office advises wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms, legs and chest.

• What can women do to stay safe while abroad?

Is Morocco safe for LGBT travellers?

Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco, although it remains a popular destination for LGBT travellers. The Foreign Office advises against public displays of affection, which may cause offence and lead to prosecution.

• Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? Latest advice • Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now? Latest advice • Is it safe to travel to Jordan right now? Latest advice • Is it safe to travel to Dubai right now? Latest advice

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Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now? Latest travel advice

Here is everything we know about travelling to Morocco amidst the conflict in Israel

As the  Israel-Hamas conflict  rumbles on, many travellers are worried about the safety of visiting destinations such as Egypt , Jordan and Morocco. It’s worth noting that Morocco is around 3,555km away from Gaza – about as far from Gaza as the UK is. However, travellers might be concerned about visiting the country in a climate of political instability and following the September 8 earthquake in Morocco . Here is everything we know about travelling to Morocco and Marrakech right now.

Is it safe to travel to Morocco at the moment?

Morocco is open to international visitors and is generally regarded as safe to visit. 

What about Marrakech?

Despite the recent earthquake severely impacting Marrakech, the city is now considered safe to visit. As is the case with most major cities, travellers are advised to be wary of pickpockets and petty crime.

What has the Foreign Office said?

The UK Foreign Office does not currently advise against travel to Morocco, though on October 16 it did update its advice to exercise caution and avoid political demonstrations.

Has Morocco been affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict?

Geographically speaking, Morocco is very far away from Israel. However, as is the case in many countries across the world, Moroccans have taken to the streets to protest the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Read all the latest travel advice for Jordan , Türkiye , and Egypt and Israel .  For all the information about helping those affected by the conflict in Israel, read  our guide on charities and organisations providing vital aid and where you can donate .

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• Is Morocco safe to visit after the recent earthquake? Foreign Office issues travel advisory

Understanding Safety in Morocco Following a Seismic Event

In the wake of recent seismic activity which garnered significant concern, travelers are seeking reassurance about safety when considering visiting Morocco. Official sources confirmed an unfortunate loss of life as a result of the tremor that occurred just before the weekend commenced.

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The Impact of the Earthquake

A powerful earthquake, registering at a magnitude of 6.8, shook the region surrounding Marrakech , causing distress and destruction. The epicenter was pinpointed approximately 70 kilometers away from the city, leading to a reported toll surpassing a thousand individuals as the situation unfolded into Saturday afternoon.

Current Travel Advice

In light of these events, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has offered guidance for those contemplating travel to Morocco. Their advice constitutes adherence to the instructions dispensed by local Moroccan officials and staying abreast with current developments through regional news channels. It is important to note that, in spite of the quake, both Marrakech and Agadir’s airports remain functional with regular flight operations to and from the United Kingdom not experiencing upheavals.

Cautions and Measures

Reports, including those from the BBC, conveyed that in Marrakech, both locals and international visitors opted to remain outdoors post-quake due to the fear of potential aftershocks. These necessary precautions highlight the importance of being vigilant and ready to follow safety protocols in such emergency situations.

• Check regular updates from FCDO regarding travel to Morocco
• Heed the advice of local authorities in affected areas
• Stay informed through local media for the latest developments
• Be prepared for aftershocks by understanding safety measures

In summary, while Morocco works to recover from this natural disaster, the essence of travel safety lies in informed and cautious decision-making. Prospective visitors should continuously monitor the situation, align with official advisories, and exercise prudence when planning their journey.

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Morocco earthquake – live: Race to find survivors as death toll tops 2,901

Experts warn aftershocks could last for ‘months’, article bookmarked.

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Rescuers are racing the clock to find survivors in the rubble more than 48 hours after Morocco 's deadliest earthquake in more than six decades.

Some 2,901 have people have been killed in a disaster that devastated villages in the High Atlas Mountains. More than 5,000 are still missing.

Aftershocks will continue to rock Morocco weeks or months, a seismological expert has warned. Remy Mossu, the director of the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, told Sky News that more than 25 aftershocks have already hit the country since the 6.8 magnitude earthquake.

“There will be aftershocks. It is not probably, it is a certainty,” he said.

Some villagers say they are struggling to find enough space to bury their dead as funerals can take place beside rescue work. Others are preparing extra graves ready for more bodies, even as rescue operations continue.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has thanked Spain, Qatar, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates for sending aid, with the UK government set to send 60 search and rescue specialists and four search dogs to Morocco.

The damage from the quake could take several years to repair, according to the Red Cross.

How can I support victims of the Morocco earthquake?

• Will flights be affected by the earthquake in Morocco?
• ‘I know I’m lucky to be alive’: Morocco travel insider says country will rebuild tourism in wake of earthquake
• Morocco travel advice: Is it safe to travel to Marrakech right now?

We’re pausing our live coverage of this story but will bring you the latest as we get it at independent.co.uk

Thousands have been affected following an earthquake in Morocco on Friday 8 September that has devastated rural communities in the Atlas Mountains.

Mountainside villages in the epicentre, Al Haouz province (44 miles south of Marrakech), were destroyed and many have lost their lives. Some 2,476 people have been injured and the death toll has risen to 2,500 as a result of the 6.8 magnitude earthquake.

Natalie Wilson reports on how you can help:

Where to donate to provide emergency relief to those in the Atlas Mountain area

ICYMI: Strange ‘earthquake lights’ spotted above Morocco moments before devastating tremors remain a mystery

Flashes in the sky above Morocco moments before a devastating earthquake struck the country and killed thousands were captured in social media videos – similar to unexplained lights seen during previous large seismic events as well.

This bizarre occurrence is likely a phenomenon known as earthquake lights (EQL). They were spotted earlier this year during the massive tremors that struck Turkey and Syria, and in 2017 above Mexico after a powerful 7-magnitude earthquake.

Vishwam Sankaran reports:

Strange ‘earthquake lights’ seen above Morocco just before tremors remain a mystery

Studying the flashing lights that seem to occur just before quakes is tough due to unpredictability of tremors

Firefighters from northwest help with rescue effort

Five firefighters from Manchester have gone to help with the rescue mission in Morocco.

Station manager Martin Foran, watch managers Gavin Kearsley, John Hughes, Simon Cording and Mike Hirst travelled to the African country on Sunday night.

They are part of the UK International Search and Rescue team dispatched to Morocco.

Morocco expresses ‘full solidarity with Libya as neighbour hit by floods

Morocco has expressed “full solidarity” with Libya after the African country was hit by flood.

More than 1,000 have been killed and thousands more are missing after two dams burst and four bridges collapsed in Derna, home to around 100,000.

Much of the city was left under water.

"The Kingdom of Morocco expresses its full solidarity with the sisterly state of Libya following the storm and floods that have affected certain regions of the country, causing several human casualties and property losses," the Moroccan foreign ministry said in a statement.

It could take up to six years to rebuild some areas

It could take up to six years to rebuild some of the areas worst affected by the earthquake, Morocco president Enaam Mayara has said.

Emergency response efforts are likely to continue as teams traverse mountain roads to reach villages hit hardest by the earthquake.

Many communities lack food, water, electricity and shelter. But once aid crews and soldiers leave, the challenges facing hundreds of thousands who call the area home will probably remain.

Members of the Moroccan parliament convened Monday to create a government fund for earthquake response at the request of King Mohammed VI.

Moroccan prime minister Aziz Akhannouch said afterward that the government was committed to compensating victims and helping them rebuild.

Enaam Mayara, the president of Morocco’s House of Councilors, said that it would likely take five or six years to rebuilt some affected areas.

People still stuck under rubble days after quale

People are still stuck under the rubble of buildings destroyed by the earthquake days after it struck, a volunteer has said.

Errachid Montassir, an activist and humanitarian worker, has been travelling with doctors to remote villages in the Atlas Mountains.

He told Al Jazeera it took the team five hours to reach the town of Ijjoukak because the road was blocked.

“It was a disaster and also a shock to see people still under the ground there,” he said.

“The army is doing [its] job to bring these people out of the ground, but also it’s very, very difficult to reach these places, so you can imagine that there is no food but also there’s no blankets or beds where people can sleep.”

Morocco quake toll likely to rise with rescuers yet to reach some remote villages

Many survivors of Morocco’s most powerful earthquake in over a century were struggling in makeshift shelters on Tuesday after a fourth night outside, with rescuers yet to reach remote mountain villages which suffered some of the worst devastation.

The death toll from the 6.8 magnitude quake that struck in the High Atlas Mountains late on Friday stood at 2,862, with 2,562 people injured, but those figures looked likely to rise. Rescuers from Spain, Britain and Qatar were helping Morocco’s search teams, while Italy, Belgium, France and Germany said their offers of assistance had yet to be approved. Hopes of finding survivors under the rubble were fading, not least because many of the traditional mud brick houses that are common in the mountain villages crumbled to earthen rubble without leaving air pockets. With the worst-hit area located in rugged, isolated terrain, the picture on Tuesday was patchy, with some organised tent camps being set up and supplies being airlifted in, while in other locations no aid at all had arrived due to roads being blocked by rocks and earth dislodged by the quake. Some survivors had camped out in the open with hastily packed bundles along the Tizi n’Test road, which connects remote valleys to Marrakech, after fleeing their destroyed villages.

"The authorities are focusing on the bigger communities and not the remote villages that are worst affected," said Hamid Ait Bouyali, 40, waiting on the roadside. "There are some villages that still have the dead buried under the rubble."

Morocco earthquake is most poweful in decades

The Morocco earthquake that has killed more than 2,000 people was the strongest to hit the north African nation in several decades.

The earthquake struck just after 11pm on Friday and has impacted the entire region, with tremors being felt thousands of miles away in Portugal and Algeria .

The quake’s epicentre is in the middle of the country and located at the High Atlas Mountains in the Ighil area, about 40 miles (70km) south of Marrakech .

Anuj Pant reports:

Morocco earthquake that killed over 2,000 is north Africa’s most powerful in decades

The shallower the earthquake, the more dangerous it can be

ActionAid UK launches emergency Morocco earthquake appeal

Charity ActionAid UK has launched an emergency Morocco earthquake appeal to support the communities most affected by the disaster.

The magnitude 6.8 tremor late on Friday damaged buildings from villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakesh.

Luke O’Reilly reports:

The official death toll from the earthquake was more than 2,000 people by Sunday evening.

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Morocco earthquake: Foreign Office travel advice, epicentre, are Marrakesh flights cancelled - 2023 news

Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now - the latest travel advisories

The death toll from a strong earthquake near Marrakesh in Morocco stands at more than 2,000, and is expected to rise as rescuers struggle to reach hard-hit remote areas where the dead are buried, as desperate efforts to save those trapped by rubble continue.

The UK has deployed 60 search and rescue specialists to assist the country's efforts to find survivors. The RAF has shared images of the UK rescue team loading up their equipment into two A400M Atlas at RAF Brize Norton, in Oxfordshire.

The earthquake that struck late on Friday night (8 September) was felt from the capital Rabat to Marrakech, the country’s most visited tourist destination, despite the epicentre striking high in the Atlas Mountains.

At least 2,012 people died in the quake, mostly in Marrakesh and five provinces near the epicentre, Morocco’s Interior Ministry reported. At least another 2,059 people were injured – 1,404 critically – the ministry said.

The rare, powerful earthquake caused people to rush out of their beds and into the streets, as buildings in ancient cities and mountain villages - not made to withstand such forces - toppled.

Morocco is situated on the boundary of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, and this tectonic interaction can lead to seismic activity. But though Morocco does experience earthquakes, they are not extremely common or frequent compared to some other seismically active regions in the world.

Before this week's large earthquake, the last major earthquake to occur in Morocco was in 2004, which killed 600 people.

But how does this impact those with plans to travel to Morocco in the coming days and weeks, and what should you do if you find yourself impacted by the earthquake? Here is everything you need to know, including the 'official' government advice on travelling to the country.

What is the FCDO travel advice?

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions.

In wake of the 6.8 magnitude earthquake, the FCDO has not issued any specific warnings against travelling to Morocco, or even any of the regions directly affected by the incident. But it says those wishing to travel "should follow local media and safety instructions from local authorities."

"If you are trying to get in touch with a family member or a friend or the FCDO to share updates, be aware that telephone networks in Morocco are subject to outages.

"Should you require consular assistance please call the British Embassy Rabat +212 (0) 537 63 33 33 and select the menu option for consular services, or call the FCDO +44 (0) 207 008 5000."

As the aftermath of the earthquake is in its early stages, it's likely that developments may occur and travel advice could change. We'll update this article in the event of that happening, but it's worth keeping an eye on the FCDO website if you do have plans to travel to the country.

It's worth noting also that a warning remains in place following recent wildfires in the vicinity of Tangier . "Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable," says the FCDO . "Follow local guidance."

Are flights cancelled?

"All Moroccan airports are open and flights to and from the UK are operating normally," says the FCDO , "with some airlines laying on additional seats for travellers wishing to return to the UK earlier than planned.

"Travellers wishing to change their flight plans should liaise direct with their tour operators or airline companies.

"If you are planning to travel to Morocco imminently we advise you check with your accommodation provider / tour operator to confirm arrangements before departure in case of disruption or damage resulting from the earthquake."

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has said the UK is supporting British nationals after the deadly earthquake hit Morocco. He said: “Devastating news of a substantial earthquake just outside Marrakesh, Morocco. The UK is continuing to support British nationals in the region. We stand ready to help our Moroccan friends in whatever way we can.”

Since the earthquake, flights at Marrakech airport have continued to operate normally, reports The Independent . At present there are no clear plans for an airlift. In the absence of confirmation to the contrary, the assumption will be that you travel home as planned.

On Saturday (9 September) British Airways and easyJet deployed larger aircraft on their flights to London to accommodate passengers who wanted to come home early. All other airports in Morocco are running normally.

What's the general travel advice for Morocco?

While Morocco is generally considered a safe travel destination for tourists, and has been a popular destination for travellers from around the world for many years, like any other destination, it's important to be aware of certain safety considerations and take precautions.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Morocco, it's recommended to:

• Research and follow any travel advisories or recommendations issued by the government
• Register with your embassy or consulate before travelling
• Respect local customs and dress codes, particularly in more conservative areas
• Keep a copy of your passport and important documents in a secure location
• Use reputable tour operators and guides for excursions and activities

The FCDO website has detailed advice on travel to Morocco, including everything from the country's entry requirements to health advice, and helpful resources for your stay there.

I am in Morocco, what should I do?

If you are in Morocco and your stay has been impacted by the major earthquake, it's essential to prioritise your safety and take appropriate actions to minimise risks and seek assistance.

Be prepared for aftershocks, which are smaller earthquakes that can follow the main event. Aftershocks can also cause damage, so be cautious.

Listen to local news, follow the instructions of local authorities, and check for emergency updates regarding the impact of the earthquake on transportation, airports, roads, and other infrastructure. Communication may be disrupted, so have a battery-powered radio or mobile device with you if possible.

If you can safely do so, inform your loved ones about your safety and whereabouts. Cooperate with local authorities and emergency responders, who can provide guidance on safe areas, shelters, and other resources.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . 

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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4.1 earthquake strikes near Corona, slightly shakes Southern California

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A magnitude 4.1 earthquake was reported at 1:49 p.m. Wednesday two miles from Corona, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The earthquake occurred three miles from Anaheim, three miles from Chino Hills, four miles from Yorba Linda and five miles from Orange.

In the last 10 days, there have been no earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater centered nearby.

An average of 25 earthquakes with magnitudes between 4.0 and 5.0 occur each year in California and Nevada, according to a recent three-year data sample.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 0.9 miles.

The guide to earthquake readiness and resilience that you’ll actually use.

June 12, 2021

Did you feel this earthquake? Consider reporting what you felt to the USGS.

Find out what to do before, and during, an earthquake near you by signing up for our Unshaken newsletter , which breaks down emergency preparedness into bite-sized steps over six weeks. Learn more about earthquake kits, which apps you need, Lucy Jones’ most important advice and more at latimes.com/Unshaken .

This story was automatically generated by Quakebot, a computer application that monitors the latest earthquakes detected by the USGS. A Times editor reviewed the post before it was published. If you’re interested in learning more about the system, visit our list of frequently asked questions .

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