Over 632 people have been
confirmed dead in Morocco, following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake, the strongest
recorded in the country in more than 120 years.
The earthquake struck on
Saturday morning, damaging buildings in major cities and sending panicked
people pouring into the streets.
Many of the fatalities are said
to be in hard-to-reach areas south of Marrakesh.
The United States Geological
Survey (USGS) estimates the epicentre of the quake occurred in the Atlas
mountains, some 75km (44 miles) from Marrakesh, the fourth largest city in the
country.
According to the country’s
interior ministry, the earthquake killed people in the provinces and
municipalities of al-Haouz, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant, adding
that at least 329 people have been left badly injured.
The ministry also said the
earthquake was felt in neighbouring Algeria and Portugal.
Local television stations
reported fallen mosque minarets, with rubble lying on smashed cars.
Officials are working on
clearing roads so ambulances and aid can reach those affected. However, long
distances between mountain villages mean it will take time to learn of the full
extent of the damage.
This is one of Morocco’s most
devastating earthquakes in years. Although they are relatively rare, a 5.8
magnitude tremor in 1960 caused thousands of deaths.
The number of people killed is
expected to rise in the coming hours.
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