On Tuesday afternoon, May 6, 2025, a series of earthquakes rattled the Marrakech region, causing alarm among residents still reeling from the devastating tremors of September 2023. The first quake, recorded at 12:21 p.m. local time, registered a magnitude of 4.1 and struck the Marrakech area. Many residents reported feeling the earth shake beneath them, with one local describing the sensation as if her house had been lifted into the air before being dropped back down. "It was quiet and calm, then what felt like a gust of wind lifted the house, then dropped it with a jolt," she recounted to Morocco World News. "I looked outside, but the wind wasn’t blowing. I knew it was an earthquake."
Just a minute later, at 12:22 p.m., a second tremor measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale was detected in the Marrakech-Safi region, approximately 32 kilometers southwest of Mechouar-Kasbah. This quake was reported at a depth of 5 kilometers, further intensifying the anxiety among locals who have lived through the trauma of the previous earthquake that struck Al Haouz province in September 2023, killing nearly 3,000 people and injuring over 5,000.
The timing of these earthquakes is particularly unsettling, as they come amid ongoing seismic activity in the region. Many residents expressed their fears of aftershocks and potential damage, with authorities remaining on high alert. As of now, no casualties have been reported, but the situation is being closely monitored. The Moroccan earthquake authority is actively tracking seismic activity to provide timely updates on any changes in magnitude.
The scars of the September 2023 earthquake are still fresh in the minds of many in Marrakech. That disaster, which was the country’s most powerful natural calamity in over a century, devastated rural areas and left many homeless. In the aftermath, the government pledged to implement a rebuilding plan, but progress has been slow. In April 2025, the Moroccan League for Human Rights (LMDDH) released a report detailing significant shortcomings in the distribution of housing aid to victims of the Al Haouz earthquake. Alarmingly, the report indicated that 16% of affected families were excluded from receiving assistance, despite losing their homes entirely.
One victim of the 2023 disaster shared her plight, stating, "I received neither the monthly MAD 2,500 ($250) stipend nor any housing reconstruction support, even though my house completely collapsed. I nearly lost both legs in the earthquake." Such accounts highlight the ongoing struggles faced by survivors as they navigate the aftermath of one of Morocco's most tragic natural disasters.
As the region grapples with the implications of the recent earthquakes, the community remains vigilant. The fear of another significant quake looms large, and residents are left to wonder when, or if, they will feel safe in their homes again. The government’s response to the current situation will be crucial in rebuilding trust and ensuring that the needs of those affected are met.
In the wake of such seismic events, the resilience of the Moroccan people is being tested once again. As they confront their fears, the hope for a more robust support system and effective disaster management remains paramount. The echoes of the past resonate deeply, reminding everyone of the fragility of life in a region prone to natural disasters.
With the tremors still fresh in their minds, residents of Marrakech are left to piece together their lives amidst uncertainty. The government has a responsibility to act swiftly and effectively to address the immediate needs of those affected by the recent earthquakes while also ensuring that the lessons learned from the 2023 disaster lead to meaningful reforms in disaster preparedness and response.
As the community continues to recover from these recent seismic events, the resilience and solidarity of the people of Marrakech will be tested. The road ahead may be challenging, but it is also an opportunity for growth and improvement in how the region prepares for and responds to natural disasters in the future.
