More than 600 people have been killed and hundreds more injured after a powerful earthquake hit Marrakesh in Morocco.
Footage shared online showed people screaming as they fled from collapsing buildings, with a huge cloud of dust rising in Marrakesh - a Unesco World Heritage site.
The devastating scenes also showed locals coming together to rescue those trapped in rubble while huge crowds gathered in open areas across the city to rest for the night. The death toll surpassed 632 in the early hours of Saturday while a further 329 people were injured and sent to hospitals for treatment, state TV reported.
The US Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11.11pm local time, with shaking that lasted several seconds.The tremor's epicentre struck near the town of Ighil, roughly 70 kilometres south of Marrakech.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
More than 600 killed and hundreds injured after powerful earthquake hits MoroccoMore than 600 people have been killed and hundreds more injured after a powerful earthquake hit Morocco.
Read more »
Powerful quake in Morocco kills more than 600 people and damages historic buildings in MarrakechA rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, killing hundreds of people and damaging buildings from villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakech. Morocco’s Interior Ministry said Saturday morning that at least 632 people had died, and another 329 people were injured. Casualty figures were expected to rise more as the search continues and as rescuers reach remote areas. Moroccan media reported that the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, one of the city’s most famed landmarks, suffered damage, but the extent was not immediately clear. Moroccans also posted videos showing damage to parts of the famous red walls that surround the old city in Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Read more »
More than 600 dead in devastating Morocco earthquakeAt least 329 others hurt following 'quake that registered 6.8 on the Richter scale
Read more »
Morocco earthquake: At least 296 dead after powerful tremorsThere is panic in Marrakesh and other cities after a 6.8 magnitude quake hits the country.
Read more »
Morrocan earthquake death toll rises to 632, government saysA further 329 people were injured after the earthquake struck in the Marrakesh area.
Read more »