A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 has struck central Morocco, killing at least 296 people, BBC News reported.
According to the country’s interior ministry, people died in Marrakech and several areas to the south. “According to a preliminary report, the earthquake killed 296 people in the provinces and municipalities of Al-House, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant,” the statement said, adding that 153 people were injured and hospitalized.
According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71 km (44 miles) southwest of Marrakech, at a depth of 18.5 km. The earthquake struck at 23:11 local time (22:11 GMT). A 4.9 magnitude aftershock occurred 19 minutes later.
In several videos on the network X (Twitter) shows how buildings collapsed, but their location could not be determined, writes BBC News. It is reported that local residents have decided to stay out of their homes in case the powerful tremors are repeated.
