A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 has struck Morocco, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Reports indicate that nearly 300 people were killed and more than 100 injured. The quake hit just after 11pm local time (22:00 GMT) on Saturday, September 9. According to reports, 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.
![Damage to a building in Marrakesh, Morocco [Al Oula TV/handout Reuters]](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2023/09/09/thumbs/1200x700/28916.jpg "Damage to a building in Marrakesh, Morocco [Al Oula TV/handout Reuters]")