A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 has rocked central Morocco, resulting in a tragic loss of at least 820 lives, according to the country's interior ministry.
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The earthquake's epicenter was located in the High Atlas Mountains, approximately 71 kilometers (44 miles) southwest of Marrakesh, at a depth of 18.5 kilometers, as reported by the US Geological Survey.
The devastating quake struck at 23:11 local time (22:11 GMT) on a Friday. Just 19 minutes later, a 4.9-magnitude aftershock added to the already dire situation.
The fatalities occurred not only in Marrakesh but also in several areas to the south, as confirmed by the ministry.
This natural disaster has left a profound impact on the region, and the authorities are likely to undertake extensive efforts to provide assistance, assess the damage, and support affected communities in their recovery.