THE GUARDIAN: Old city in Marrakech among areas hit in quake measuring at least 6.8 and centred in High Atlas mountains
A powerful earthquake in Morocco’s High Atlas mountains has killed hundreds of people after buildings collapsed and people fled their shuddering homes in several cities and towns.
Residents of Marrakech, the nearest major city to the epicentre, said some buildings had collapsed in the old city, a Unesco world heritage site. Initial reports said part of a minaret that towered over Jemaa el-Fnaa, a market square and hub for visitors, had collapsed, injuring two people, before local residents fled to the open area of the square to seek shelter.
Local television showed piles of rubble and broken pipes crushing parked cars and blocking streets across Marrakech, as residents rushed into the street after the quake struck at 11.11pm on Friday. State TV showed people wrapped in blankets sleeping in the street, fearing further aftershocks. (With video) » | Ruth Michaelson | Saturday, September 9, 2023
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