Several areas have been destroyed by a sudden strong earthquake in the African country of Morocco. The death toll in earthquakes measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale continues to rise. The Ministry of Interior of Morocco has confirmed the death of at least 296 people so far.

They also said that more than 150 injured people have been sent to the hospital for treatment. Most of the casualties or damage occurred towards the epicenter of the earthquake.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake struck shortly after 11pm local time on Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the ski resort of Okaimeden in the Atlas Mountains, 75 kilometers from Marrakesh.

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Montasir Itri, a resident of Asni village in the mountainous area near the epicenter of the earthquake, said that most of the houses there were damaged. Our neighbors are buried under the rubble and locals are trying to rescue them with their own equipment.

Further west near Taroudant, teacher Hamid Afkar said he had fled his home and suffered aftershocks after the quake. He also said that the earthquake lasted for about 20 seconds.