A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.8 that struck central Morocco has now killed more than 1,000 people and caused several damages and injuries to people in various areas.
Morocco’s Interior Ministry says many residents were rushed to hospital after being severely injured.
Video on social media X formerly known as Twitter shows damaged buildings, buildings shaking and rubble-strewn streets and people walking through clouds of dust.
The country's royal palace has declared three days of national mourning for the loss of lives.
It is said that the armed forces would deploy rescue teams to provide affected areas with clean drinking water, food supplies, tents and blankets.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) southwest of Marrakesh, at a depth of 18.5km.
Meanwhile, many people are still believed to be under the rubble as several bodies have been recovered.
The moment of powerful earthquake hits Morocco, killing at least 296 and injuring over 150 near Marrakesh. #MoroccoEarthquake pic.twitter.com/v8mU3daQHB
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) September 9, 2023
source: BBC
