Morocco Mauled By 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake
*Hundreds killed, historic sites destroyed.
A powerful earthquake with a preliminary measurement of 6.8 magnitude, struck the popular Oukaimeden resort, late Friday.
The quake which took place 75km west of Morocco's western city of Marrakesh, one of the country’s major economic hubs, killed at least 296, destroyed many historic sites destroyed, with over 200 people injured.
A statement by the country’s Interior ministry said casualty figures are likely to increased as the current ones are provisional.
“According to a provisional report, the earthquake killed 296 people in the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant,” the ministry said in a statement.
It added that 153 people are being treated in hospitals for their injuries.
Reports by the United States Geological Survey, USGS, indicate that the quake struck at about 11pm Friday night near the popular Oukaimeden resort, about 75km from Marrakesh, Morocco's fourth largest city.
Extensive damages are said to be visible in Medina, Marrakesh’s old town, a sprawling historic web of red walls and tight streets, one of the world's UNESCO-designated Heritage sites. The full extent of the damage is yet to be ascertained.
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