At least 820 people have died and 672 others injured following a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Morocco, the country’s Interior Ministry said Saturday.
Fatalities were recorded in regions like Al Haouz, Marrakesh as well as Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant, the ministry said.
Morocco’s National Geophysical Institute said the earthquake was the strongest tremor to hit the North African country in the last century.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the epicenter of the earthquake, which hit just after 11 p.m. local time (22:00 GMT), was 75 kilometers (46.6 miles) southeast of Marrakech, at a depth of 18.5 km.
Several videos on social media captured the immediate aftermath and showed residents spilling out onto the streets.
Marrakesh was most hit as numerous buildings collapsed with several residents trapped under debris.
Local media said some buildings, including the famous red walls that surround the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage, were damaged.
The Royal Armed Forces urged citizens to exercise caution and directed them toward safe areas to shield them from aftershocks.
The tremors also reached neighbouring Algeria and Mauritania.
According to the state news agency MAP, the authorities have launched rescue operation to evaluate and deliver aid to persons affected by the earthquake.
“Seven trucks loaded with blankets, camp beds and lighting equipment are ready in Al Arjat village in the northern city of Sale to be delivered to residents of affected areas,” MAP said.
More than 600 people were killed and many others injured in 2004 when a magnitude 6.3 quake hit northeastern Morocco.