6.8 magnitude earthquake rattles Morocco: Death toll rises to 820
Most of the deaths were in the province of Al Haouz, west of the quake's epicenter and south of the popular tourist city Marrakech.
A 6.8 magnitude quake struck Morocco on Friday, after 11 pm local time leaving more than 800 people killed and thousands injured.
Strong tremors were also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira.
This was the deadliest earthquake to hit Morocco in decades.
The epicenter was in the High Atlas mountains, about 72 kilometers (44.7 miles) southwest of Marrakech, a city of some 840,000 people and a popular tourist destination.
The death toll for the Morocco earthquake has risen to 820, with 672 people injured, Morocco’s state television Al Aoula said, citing the Interior Ministry.
There are 205 people in critical condition, it added, and the number of injured people has been increasing.
Meanwhile, the rescue teams are reportedly struggling to reach the most affected areas.
Connectivity to the internet was disrupted in Marrakesh due to power cuts in the region after the devastating earthquake, according to global internet monitor NetBlocks.
According to the US Geological Survey, the quake was the strongest to hit that part of the North African nation in more than 120 years.
Marrakech’s historic walls, a set of defensive ramparts first laid out in the early 12th century, are reported to have been damaged as a result of the massive quake.
Heartbreaking images from the affected areas are being shared on social media, showing the scale of devastation from the quake.
CCTV footage shows glimps of the horrors experiencing a 6.8 magnitude earthquake.
— Robert Carter (@Bob_cart124) September 9, 2023
Morocco 🇲🇦 was struck reports claim well over 600 casualties so far…
💔🤲 Heartbreaking. May Allah SWT bring them ease.#Morocco #earthquake #moroccoearthquake pic.twitter.com/EaMkjkfoC0
Moment of building collapse at Morocco after massive earthquake. Prayers for the people of #Morocco 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/3J6TfCnvgQ
— Allah Islam Quran (@AllahGreatQuran) September 9, 2023
Tizint tasset Village in Taroudant region. People are under rubbel. Locals need help ASAP !! SOS #morocco #moroccoearthquake @HanaeEster @us_ain pic.twitter.com/XQZaRULe5h
— Soumia ⵙⵓⵎⵉⴰ (@soumiajlo) September 9, 2023
Solidarity with the people of #Morocco following the devastating earthquake that struck in the early hours of this morning. Our thoughts and prayers go to those who have been affected by this tragedy.💔😭 pic.twitter.com/fvfcvmXjQU
— Cool_Ustaaz ❁ (@Cool_Ustaz) September 9, 2023
