On Friday, September 8, 2023, Morocco suffered a 6.8 earthquake. From the Associated Press:
MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) — A rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, killing more than 800 people and damaging buildings from villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakech. But the full toll was not known as rescuers struggled to get through boulder-strewn roads to the remote mountain villages hit hardest.
The quake was centered about 70 kilometers south of Marrakech, a stunning beautiful walled city dating to the 12th century and World Heritage Site. The number killed is expected to rise as countries in the region rush to aid in the recovery efforts. Morocco has not experienced an earthquake of this magnitude in 120 years. Strong aftershocks are expected to follow.
The African Union is joining the G20, an acknowledgment of a continent with more than 50 countries and with more than 1 billion people. The AP reports:
U.S. President Joe Biden called last year for the AU’s permanent membership in the G20, saying it’s been “a long time in coming.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the bloc was invited to join during the G20 summit his country is hosting this week.
The African Union has advocated for full membership for seven years, spokesperson Ebba Kalondo said. Until now, South Africa was the bloc’s only G20 member.