Iran Press/ Africa: The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that the epicenter of the quake occurred near the ski resort of Oukaïmedene in the Atlas Mountains, some 75 kilometers from Marrakesh, the fourth largest city in the country.
The earthquake took place shortly after 11 pm local time (22:00 GMT) on Friday evening, according to the USGS.
No immediate reports of casualties or widespread devastation were available. But videos and images shared on social media showed clouds of dust and piles of rubble, as walls buckled under the force of the quake.
Other posts depicted shocked residents running for safety, out of local buildings and onto the street.
While earthquakes in the region are “uncommon but not unexpected”, one of this magnitude has not been seen in the region in over 120 years.
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