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The minarets of the Kutubiyya Mosque in Medina shake during an earthquake in the Old City of Marrakesh, Morocco. Photo/Screenshot of BBC video
MARRAKESH – A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 that rocked Morocco has killed thousands of people. Several famous ancient buildings, including the Kutubiyya Mosque, were damaged.
The quake, which occurred on Friday evening local time, hit the provinces of Al Haouz, Ouarzazate, Marrakesh, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant.
The Moroccan Ministry of Interior on Saturday (9/9/2023) said the death toll had reached 1,037 people. 1,200 people were injured, including hundreds in critical condition.
The extent of the damage is not yet fully known, as the search for survivors at the UNESCO world heritage site continued on Saturday.
Local media reports and photos circulating on social media show several buildings in the Kota Tua were badly damaged.
A video shared on social media shows the building of the Kutubiyya Mosque shaking as people run and scream. The mosque, which is one of the most famous landmarks in the city of Marrakech, was reported to have suffered damage.
The extent of the damage is still being assessed. This mosque is also famous for its minaret which is 69 meters high known as the “Roof of Marrakesh”.
This mosque is located in the Medina area of the Old City of Marrakesh. The building was erected in 1070–1072 by the Almoravids. The Old City of Marrakech remained the political, economic and cultural center for a long period of time.
Local residents also uploaded videos showing parts of the Red Wall—which is famous for surrounding the Old City of Marrakesh, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site—suffering damage.
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