The 6.8-magnitude earthquake on Friday night devastated homes in villages across the Atlas Mountains, as well as historical sites inside Marrakech city in Morocco.
As reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco’s High Atlas mountain range on Friday shortly after 11 p.m. local time at a depth of 11.4 miles which is relatively shallow. The epicentre was located about 72 44.7 miles southwest of Marrakech, a city of about 840,000 people and a well-liked tourist destination.
As a result of the Moroccan government’s advice not to go back home in the face of severe aftershocks, many people spent the night outdoors.
At least 1,037 people were killed with more than 700 others in a critical condition, Morocco’s state TV Al Aoula said, citing the interior ministry.
The quake was also felt in neighbouring Algeria, but authorities said it had not caused any damage or casualties.
Speaking at the G20 summit in Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the international community would come to Morocco’s aid.
