A powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday, damaging buildings in major cities and sending panicked people pouring into streets and alleyways from Rabat to Marrakech. There was no immediate word on any casualties.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11:11 p.m. Morocco’s National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network measured it at 7 on the Richter scale.
Variations in early measurements are common, although either reading would be Morocco’s strongest since 1960, when a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck near Agadir and caused thousands of deaths.
The epicenter of Friday’s tremor was high in the Atlas Mountains south of Marrakech and west of Oukaimeden, a popular Moroccan ski resort. It was also near Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
Moroccans posted videos showing some buildings turned to rubble. Tourists and others posted videos of people evacuating restaurants in Marrakech as throbbing club music played.
Magnitude 6.9 earthquake strikes Morocco
RT
A strong earthquake struck central Morocco on Friday evening, prompting residents of several major cities to flee their homes and seek shelter.
The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre measured the earthquake at 6.9 magnitude. The United States Geological Survey, meanwhile, reported it as 6.8.
According to local media, the tremors were felt in the capital Rabat, as well as Marrakesh, Casablanca, Agadir, and Kenitra.
There are no immediate reports about casualties. Video posted to social media show that at least some buildings were damaged, and several people were injured. Multiple buildings were reportedly destroyed entirely.
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