Powerful Earthquake Strikes Morocco, Killing at Least 296
A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco on Friday night, killing at least 296 people and injuring 153.
The quake was centered in the High Atlas Mountains, about 44 miles (71 kilometers) southwest of Marrakesh. It was felt in several other cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira.
The earthquake caused significant damage in the affected areas. In Marrakesh, part of a minaret collapsed on the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, injuring two people. Several other buildings collapsed, and there were reports of widespread damage to infrastructure.
The Moroccan government has mobilized all necessary resources to respond to the disaster. Hospitals in Marrakesh have seen a "massive influx" of injured people, and the regional blood transfusion center has called on residents to donate blood.
The earthquake was the most powerful to hit Morocco in recent history. In 2004, at least 628 people were killed and 926 injured when a quake hit Al Hoceima in northeastern Morocco.
The US Geological Survey has warned that significant damage is likely in the affected areas. The agency's PAGER system, which provides preliminary assessments on the impact of earthquakes, has issued an orange alert for economic losses.
The earthquake was also felt in neighboring Algeria, but the Algerian Civil Defense said it had not caused any damage or casualties.
The Moroccan government is still assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the earthquake. However, it is clear that this is a major disaster that has caused widespread loss of life and damage to property.
The government has called on international aid organizations to help with the relief effort.
