The earthquake's epicenter was reported to be in the El-Huz region of Marrakech, situated in the northern part of the country.

Reports indicate that the earthquake, which struck at 23:10 local time, has claimed a staggering death toll of 632 people, with an additional 329 others suffering injuries in the aftermath. The majority of the fatalities were recorded in remote and hard-to-reach mountainous areas, according to local officials.

Residents of Marrakech, including those in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old city, witnessed the collapse of several buildings. The earthquake's impact extended beyond Marrakech, with reports of tremors felt in the capital city of Rabat, as well as in Casablanca, Meknes, and Fes.

Morocco's National Geophysical Institute reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 8 kilometers beneath the surface, amplifying its destructive potential.

Tragic events unfolded in various cities, including Marrakech, Azilal, Agadir, Varzazat, and Chichaoua, where loss of life was reported.

In the face of this disaster, rescue teams in Morocco are working tirelessly to extract individuals trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed structures.

While local authorities initially recorded the earthquake as measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, the German Seismological Center has indicated a magnitude of 7, underlining the significant impact of this natural catastrophe.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, efforts are underway to provide support and assistance to those affected by this tragedy. The situation continues to develop, and further updates will follow as more information becomes available. (ILKHA)