Most damage occurred in the countryside, but tremors were felt in several large cities, including Rabat and Marrakesh
The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck Morocco on Friday evening has risen to at least 632 people, with 329 others being wounded, state TV reported on Saturday night.
The initial figures provided by the Moroccan Interior Ministry shortly after the tremors, were 296 fatalities and 153 people injured.
Most of the damage occurred in the countryside, with remote areas south of Marrakech reportedly being hit the hardest.
Tremors were felt in the capital Rabat, as well as other cities, including Marrakesh, Casablanca, Agadir, and Kenitra. Many residents fled their homes and stayed on the streets overnight, helping to clear the rubble.
Videos shared on social media show that multiple buildings were damaged, with some destroyed entirely.
A mosque was reportedly damaged near Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakesh’s Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as other historical buildings in the area.
Other videos show residents running in fear after feeling the tremors.
Morocco’s National Institute of Geophysics measured the earthquake at 7.0 magnitude, with the epicenter in Al Haouz Province.
Source: RT