Morocco earthquake’s death toll crosses 600

A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.8 has struck central Morocco, killing at least 632 people.

The epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) south-west of Marrakesh, at a depth of 18.5km, the US Geological Survey said.

The quake struck at 23:11 local time (22:11 GMT). There was a 4.9 aftershock 19 minutes later.

People died in Marrakesh and several areas to the south, the country’s interior ministry said.

The ministry said the earthquake killed people in the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant, adding that at least 329 people have been injured.

Unverified video clips on social media show damaged buildings, other buildings shaking and rubble-strewn streets. People are seen fleeing in alarm and some walking through clouds of dust.

Locals are said to have decided to stay outside their homes in case the city is rocked by powerful aftershocks.

Another man in the historic city described feeling a “violent tremor” and seeing “buildings moving”.