World

Number of deaths expected to rise after Morocco quake – as aftershocks reported

Dozens of people have been killed following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco, officials have said.

Many of the fatalities are said to be in hard-to-reach areas south of Marrakech.

The earthquake struck late on Friday – damaging buildings in major cities and sending panicked people pouring into the streets.

Witnesses in Marrakech told the Reuters news agency that some buildings have collapsed in the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Local television stations broadcast pictures of a fallen mosque minaret, with rubble lying on smashed cars.

According to the al Arabiya news channel, five of those killed were members of the same family.

Hamid Afkir, a teacher in a mountainous area west of the epicentre, said: “The earth shook for about 20 seconds. Doors opened and shut by themselves as I rushed downstairs from the second floor.”

More from World

Aftershocks have been reported – with men, women and children staying out in the streets, frightened of further quakes.

According to the US Geological Survey, the epicentre was high in the Atlas Mountains – about 43 miles (70km) away from Marrakech, a popular tourist destination.

The USGS added that it was at a relatively shallow depth of 11.5 miles (18km).

Articles You May Like

Mercedes unveils 2025 electric G-Class, with 4 motors and tank turns
Gogoro’s new lower-cost electric scooter breaks sales records, begins shipping
Hamas releases video of hostages as efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza continue
Renters’ Reform Bill gets sign off from MPs – but indefinite delay to no-fault evictions ban remains
Harvey Weinstein taken to hospital after being moved to a New York jail