Morocco earthquake: Casualties reported after strong tremors
Central Morocco has been struck by a robust 6.8-magnitude earthquake, prompting residents to hastily evacuate into the streets. There are unconfirmed reports of casualties.
According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 71 kilometers (44 miles) southwest of Marrakesh, at a depth of 18.5 kilometers. The earthquake occurred at 23:11 local time (22:11 GMT).
Unverified video clips circulating on X (formerly Twitter) depict damaged buildings and streets littered with rubble. People are observed fleeing in a state of alarm.
One resident informed Reuters news agency that some structures in Marrakesh’s historic city have collapsed.
Local residents have chosen to remain outdoors, fearing potential powerful aftershocks that could shake the city.
Another individual in the historic city described experiencing a “violent tremor” and witnessing “buildings in motion.”
Abdelhak El Amrani, speaking to the AFP agency, stated that people were in a state of shock and panic. Children were crying, and parents were deeply distressed. He mentioned that power and phone lines were disrupted for approximately ten minutes.
AFP also reported that one family was trapped in the collapsed rubble of a house – and that a number of people in the city were taken to hospital.
The quake’s epicenter in a remote area of the High Atlas Mountains was relatively shallow – and tremors were also reportedly felt in the capital Rabat, some 350km away, as well as Casablanca and Essaouira.
There was no immediate comment from the country’s officials.
