Morocco quake

Morocco's King Mohammed VI pays a hospital visit Tuesday to victims of the earthquake that rocked the North African country last week, killing at least 2,900 people, state media reported.

The monarch visited Marrakesh University Hospital and "inquired about the state of health of the injured" before donating blood, according to the official MAP news agency. — AFP

A French expert warns that aftershocks in Morocco can be expected after a powerful earthquake struck, killing more than 2,000 people.

The quake didn't hit in the most active seismological region, says Philippe Vernant -- a specialist in active tectonics, particularly in Morocco, at the University of Montpellier.

Morocco is one of those countries where the question is not whether there will be earthquakes.

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares says Saturday that Spain has offered to send rescuers to Morocco following an earthquake that killed over 600 people.

"Spain has offered Morocco, if it deems it necessary, both its rescue capacities, which in these moments are the most important, as well as its rebuilding capacity once this moment has passed. What is important right now is to save the greatest number of lives possible," he tells reporters at the G20 summit in India. — AFP

According to an updated interior ministry toll, a powerful earthquake that struck Morocco Friday night has killed at least 632 people and injured 329 others.

Of those injured, 51 were in a critical condition, the ministry says, after the 6.8-magnitude quake that struck 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakesh. — AFP

A powerful earthquake struck Morocco on Friday night. The US Geological Survey reported a 6.8-magnitude quake struck 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakesh at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT). Bookmark this page for updates.

(This handout frame grab of video footage courtesy of Michaël Bizet and provided to AFPTV early September 9, 2023 shows a damaged building in Marrakesh, following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco. Nearly 300 people have died after a powerful earthquake rattled Morocco Friday night, according to a preliminary government count, as terrified residents of Marrakesh reported "unbearable" screams followed the 6.8-magnitude tremor. Handout / Michaël Bizet / UGC / AFP)