Early Saturday, a strong earthquake of magnitude 7.2 has struck central Morocco, killing at least 296 people, officials announced moments ago.
The earthquake was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) south-west of Marrakesh, at a depth of 18.5km, according to the US Geological Survey.
Officials expressed that the country was struck by the quake at 23:11 local time, followed by a 4.9 aftershock.
The majority of casualties fell in Marrakesh and several areas to the south, officials added.
🚨🎥A terrifying moment of a collapse captured by a security camera during the earthquake in Morocco. 😨💔#هزة_أرضية #المغرب #زلزال_المغرب #مراكش #seisme #earthquake pic.twitter.com/Hhah1lCgZp
— AkramPRO (@iamAkramPRO) September 9, 2023
"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 statement highlighted, adding that 153 people were injured and hospitalized.
#ALERTA 🇲🇦#المغرب #مراكش #الداربيضاء #فاس #Morocco #fes #casablanca #Marrakesh #زلزال #earthquake 🇲🇦 | SISMO EN MARRUECOS: 🇲🇦 Major magnitude 6.9 earthquake - 75 km southwest of Marrakech, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco,#fas #deprem#Morocco #earthquake #morocoearthquake… pic.twitter.com/vSmbtvqGWj
— Ape𝕏 (@Apex644864791) September 9, 2023
Various videos posted on X (Twitter) depicted damaged buildings, other buildings shaking, in addition, people are seen escaping to the streets.
Some buildings in Marrakesh's old city have collapsed, one resident told the Reuters news agency.
Authorities urged people to stay in safe places in case the city is rocked by powerful aftershocks.
In addition, they asked them to denote blood to help in recovering the injured of the earthquake.
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