Is It Safe To Travel To Morocco Following Deadly Earthquake & Aftershocks?

On Friday, September 8, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Morocco, leading to more than 3,000 deaths and thousands injured. Since that time, rescue missions have continued to try and save people buried by the quake. Meanwhile, the epicenter was around 70 km (43 mi) southwest of Marrakech – a popular tourist destination. Is it now safe to travel and have all flights to Marrakech been canceled? Many travelers have already booked tickets to visit Morocco in the fall, but is it safe to travel?

Which areas of Morocco are affected by the earthquake?

As reported by the Washington Post, the epicenter of the earthquake was high up in the Atlas Mountains, which means the worst affected region is central Morocco. Much of the rescue efforts are still focused on remote mountain villages that are difficult to access.

Morocco’s fourth largest city, Marrakech, is the nearest tourist hub, where many buildings have collapsed or been damaged by the quake. Unfortunately, the majority of the damage happened in the city’s Medina – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest part of the city. Regrettably, the historic buildings weren’t built with earthquakes in mind.

As the Atlas Mountains are a popular trekking location, reports say tourists have been seen sleeping in the streets in mountain villages after the quake.

However, while tremors were felt as far away as Portugal and Spain, most of Morocco has remained unaffected. Reportedly, there was only minor damage to buildings in popular resort areas like Essaouira and Agadir. Moreover, Morocco’s capital, Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier also escaped any major damage.

Is it safe to travel to Morocco?

On September 13, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated its advice to UK travelers, warning travelers not to get involved in rescue efforts. Travelers were told to follow the advice of local authorities and the local media. While the warning is to UK citizens, obviously the same advice applies to US travelers.

The statement continued:

Morocco is coordinating the humanitarian response to the earthquake. Do not undertake any kind of search and rescue and/or humanitarian assistance work without explicit authorization from the Moroccan government to do so.

Restrictions may be in place around areas of recovery work, and you may disrupt life-saving work by attempting to access these areas or provide assistance without permission.

Meanwhile, USGS warned that “smaller aftershocks” were likely to be felt in the region for weeks to come.

Are flights still taking off and landing at Marrakech airport?

Despite the quake, flights to and from Marrakech Airport have continued, with airlines closely monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, some airlines are offering customers the chance to reschedule their flights.

Reportedly, British Airways has told passengers due to travel to or from Marrakech before September 24 can change their dates with no charge if they wish. Meanwhile, if there is space available, tourists wishing to return home early can also be accommodated. Moreover, all other Moroccan airports are operating normally.