A real “surprise” that reshuffles the cards for scientists. A violent earthquake struck Morocco on the night of Friday to Saturday, September 9, causing panic in Marrakech and several other cities. According to the latest official report, more than a thousand people have died and very heavy damage has been recorded. The disaster was of unusual intensity in the region, measuring 7 on the Richter scale, taking the Moroccan authorities by surprise. “It’s a surprise to have such a big earthquake in this area,” explains seismologist Florent Brenguier, interviewed on franceinfo.