Massive earthquake strikes Morocco, leaving over 2,000 dead and thousands injured

MOROCCO - SEPTEMBER 2023: At least 2,012 people were killed and 2,059 injured following a powerful earthquake that struck Morocco, the country's Interior Ministry said Saturday.The injuries include 1,404 critical cases.Fatalities from the magnitude-7 quake occurred in various regions, including El-Houz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Tiznit, Marrakech, Azilal, Agadir, Casablanca and Youssoufia, the ministry said in a statement.The quake was the strongest tremor to hit the North African country in the last century, according to Morocco’s National Geophysical Institute.The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the epicenter, which hit just after 11 p.m. local time, was 75 kilometers (46.6 miles) southeast of Marrakech, at a depth of 18.5 kilometers.The situation was said to be particularly dire in the Marrakech region where buildings were said to have collapsed and residents trapped under debris.Media reporters said buildings, including the famous red walls that surround the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage, were damaged. (Footage by Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)