A rare and powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, killing more than 600 people and damaging buildings from villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakech. The 6.8-magnitude quake is the strongest ever recorded in the mountain region and casualty figures are expected to rise. Read our live blog for all the latest developments. All times are Paris time (GMT+2).
Issued on: 09/09/2023 – 10:15
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9:59am: France’s Macron ‘devastated’ by Morocco quake, promises aid
French President Emmanuel Macron said Saturday he was “devastated” by the earthquake in Morocco, which has killed at least 600 people, and offered to help relief efforts.
“We are all devastated after the terrible earthquake in Morocco,” Macron said on X, formerly known as Twitter, while onboard a flight to the G20 summit in India. “France stands ready to help with first aid.”
8:48am: Death toll climbs
The earthquake has killed at least 632 people and injured 329 others, according to an updated interior ministry toll.
Of those injured, 51 are in critical condition, the ministry said.
(FRANCE 24 with AP, AFP, Reuters)
