Late on Friday night, a powerful earthquake, measuring approximately 7 in magnitude, struck Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, resulting in at least 296 reported deaths and numerous buildings reduced to rubble.

The earthquake also left 153 individuals injured, according to preliminary data from the Interior Ministry. The hardest-hit area was Marrakech, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The earthquake caused some buildings, including a historic mosque’s minaret, to collapse, crushing vehicles below.

The affected provinces include Al Haouz, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant. Aftershocks have been reported, and the tremor was felt in various regions.