At least 296 people were killed in a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 that struck Morocco on Friday. Morocco’s Interior Ministry said early on Saturday that the reported number of dead and injured was a preliminary figure.
“According to a provisional report, the earthquake killed 296 people in the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that 153 people were injured and hospitalised.
The earthquake hit shortly after 11 PM local time on Friday evening, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The USGS estimates that the epicentre of the quake occurred near the ski resort of Oukaimeden in the Atlas Mountains, some 75km (44 miles) from Marrakesh, the fourth largest city in the country.
Videos show damaged buildings and rubbles on the street depicting the impact of the quakes. Marrakesh is known for its old city, a Unesco World Heritage Site that was founded in the 11th century.
