Powerful earthquake kills at least 296 in Morocco
People look at debris in the aftermath of an earthquake in Marrakech, Morocco, on September 9. Al Maghribi Al Youm/Handout via Reuters
A devastating earthquake has rocked the High Atlas mountains of Morocco, resulting in at least 296 reported fatalities.
People gather on a street in Casablanca following the powerful earthquake
The seismic event also inflicted severe damage to structures, prompting panic among residents in major urban centers.
The quake was the strongest to hit that part of the North African nation in more than 120 years, according to the US Geological Survey.
The Interior Ministry said at least 153 individuals have sustained injuries due to the quake.
Most of the casualties occurred in remote mountainous areas, making rescue and relief efforts particularly challenging, as noted by a local official.
In the city of Marrakech, the closest urban centre to the earthquake's epicentre, reports have emerged of collapsed buildings within the confines of the historic old city, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage site.
Local television broadcasts have shown images of a mosque minaret reduced to rubble, with debris strewn across damaged vehicles.
