Strong Moroccan earthquake leaves at least 296 people dead

The Interior Ministry said on Saturday that at least 296 people have perished as a result of the strong earthquake that slammed central Morocco and registered a 6.8 on the Richter scale.

The US Geological Survey said that the center of the earthquake occurred in the High Atlas Mountains, 71 kilometers southwest of Marrakesh, at a depth of 18.5 kilometers, as reported by the BBC.

Videos posted on social media during the 11.11 p.m. earthquake showed people running from damaged houses and streets littered with debris.

The towns of Casablanca and Essaouira, which are both around 350 kilometers from the epicenter, also allegedly felt the vibrations.

More information is awaited.