A magnitude 7.0 earthquake shook the northern Moroccan region of Marrakech on Fridaywithout it being known at this time whether there have been casualties or material damage.

According to a seismic warning bulletin issued by the Moroccan National Institute of Geophysics, the earthquake occurred at 23:11 local time (Saturday 00:11 GMT).

It had its epicenter in the city of Ighillocated 63 kilometers southwest of the city of Marrakech, at a depth of 8 kilometers, the bulletin indicates.

According to witnesses contacted EFEThe quake was felt in northern cities such as Larache, 550 kilometers from the epicenter, as well as in Casablanca and Rabat, 300 and 370 kilometers away respectively. where residents took to the streets to prevent a possible second earthquake.

Sofía Catalá, a Spanish resident of central Marrakech, explained EFE that during the earthquake ‘the ground started to move as if it were a bombing’. “I thought the building was collapsing, now everyone’s out in the street in pajamashe added.

Minutes after the earthquake, Catalá indicated from the street that the shaking caused all residents of her building to evacuate and railings and other objects fell from the balconies, but added that she did not see any buildings around her with significant damage.

Said, a resident of Casablanca, confirmed this EFE after I felt the earthquake. “It wasn’t very strong, but it lasted 15 seconds without stopping. I immediately called my family in Marrakech and it was strong there, even my sister-in-law fainted from the fright.”, he explained on the phone.

Although no official balance of material or human damage was released, internet users shared photos and videos of houses damaged or partially demolished in Marrakech’s old quarter, believed to be the result of the earthquake. (JO)