RABAT: At least 296 people were killed after a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 on the Richter scale struck Morocco on Friday. Most of the dead are natives of Marrakesh and Ouarzazate provinces.

It is reported that the earthquake was also felt in coastal cities such as Casablanca, Essaouira and Rabat. General Secretary of Interior Rashid Al Khalfi said that the country has made all kinds of preparations for disaster prevention. Located between the African and Eurasian plates, Morocco is prone to both large and small earthquakes. In 2004, 628 people were killed and 926 injured in the Al Hoceima earthquake.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolence through X for those who died in the earthquake. "My condolences to those who lost their lives in the tragedy and my thoughts are with the people of Morocco who are deeply hurt by the tragedy," he said. Modi added that India is ready to provide all necessary assistance to Morocco.