A strong earthquake rocked northern Morocco early Tuesday, killing at least 230 people and injuring dozens of others, near the port city of Al Hoceima.
A local official said later on in the day that more than 300 people were feared to have died in the earthquake. The Interior Ministry said the death toll was expected to rise throughout the day. A civil defense spokesman in the city of Al Hoceima said the village of Ait Kamara, located some 15 kilometers away was "completely destroyed" and "there are many dead." Concern were expressed also regarding the fate of two other villages - Tamassint and Imzourn.
The quake was centered 160 kilometers north-east of Fes. It occurred about 800 meters underground at 2:27 a.m. [local time]. It was felt also in Spain and Algeria.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake measured 6.5 on the Richter scale.
Military and civilian rescuers were sent to aid victims of the earthquake. Helicopters filled with emergency supplies flied to the quake-hit region.
Rescuers reported difficulties in reaching the affected area, however, because it is surrounded by mountains and served by narrow, poor roads. (Albawaba.com)
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