A devastating earthquake hits Morocco, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives and causing significant destruction to historical structures.

Late on Friday night, Morocco was hit by a strong earthquake that resulted in the loss of numerous lives and caused significant destruction to buildings and important historical sites in major urban areas.

The Interior Ministry of Morocco reported on Saturday that a minimum of 296 individuals lost their lives in the regions close to the earthquake. Furthermore, 153 individuals who were injured received medical attention at hospitals. The ministry stated that the majority of the destruction took place in rural areas rather than urban centers.

Videos shared by Moroccans depicted buildings completely destroyed and turned into debris, along with sections of the renowned red walls encircling Marrakech’s ancient city, a site recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage. Additionally, tourists and bystanders captured footage of individuals frantically evacuating restaurants amidst blaring club music, accompanied by screams of panic.

It is common for reports of damage and casualties to be delayed following earthquakes, especially those occurring during nighttime.

Instead of going back to their solid structures, individuals of all genders and ages chose to remain outside on the streets due to concerns about potential aftershocks and other vibrations that could make their houses shake.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11:11 p.m. (2211 GMT), with shaking that lasted several seconds. Morocco’s National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network measured it at 7 on the Richter scale. The U.S. agency reported a magnitude-4.9 aftershock hit 19 minutes later.

Early measurements often show variations, but both readings would be the most powerful recorded in Morocco for many years. North Africa generally experiences infrequent earthquakes, but in 1960, a tremor with a magnitude of 5.8 occurred near Agadir, resulting in numerous fatalities.

The epicenter of Friday’s tremor was high in the Atlas Mountains roughly 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) south of Marrakech. It was also near Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa and Oukaimeden, a popular Moroccan ski resort.

The USGS reported that the center of the earthquake was located 18 kilometers (11 miles) beneath the Earth’s surface, whereas Morocco’s seismic agency estimated it to be 8 kilometers (5 miles) deep.

As of early Saturday, Moroccan officials and MAP, Morocco’s official news agency, have not provided any details about casualties or damages caused by the earthquake. Normally, government officials utilize the agency to convey important information.

According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere and Algeria’s Civil Defense agency, the earthquake’s effects were perceived in distant locations such as Portugal and Algeria.