Morocco earthquake kills 296 people

A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.8 has struck central Morocco, killing at least 296 people.

Morocco’s Interior Ministry says people from al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant have lost their lives while 153 people are injured and hospitalised.

Video on social media X formerly known as Twitter shows damaged buildings, buildings shaking and rubble-strewn streets and people seen walking through clouds of dust.

Locals say they have decided to stay outside their homes in case the city is rocked by powerful aftershocks.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) south-west of Marrakesh, at a depth of 18.5km.

Source: BBC