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The Moroccan interior ministry has said that the death toll in the earthquake increased to 820, with at least 672 injured.
Earlier, in the morning, on Saturday, September 9, reports indicated that a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Morocco, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Initial reports said nearly 300 people were killed and more than 100 injured. The quake hit just after 11pm local time (22:00 GMT). Saturday’s earthquake is the strongest in a century in the country. The core of the earthquake was the al-Haouz region in southwest Morocco.
The earthquake’s epicentre was at a depth of 18.5km (11.5 miles) and occurred about 72km (44 miles) northeast of Marrakesh, according to the USGS.
Al Jazeera reported that the full extent of the causalities and destruction of the earthquake is yet to be seen.
Footage on social media showed tremors being felt and people running into the streets and buildings shaking.
Authorities warned people all around Morocco not to go back in their houses after the earthquake. Most people spent the night outside.
Images on social media show collapsed houses and rubble in Marrakesh, the closest big city to the epicentre.
