NEWS: Major earthquake strikes Morroco

A devistating earthquake measuring 6.5 struck Morroco at 0628 GMT today. The death toll is at least 300, and is expected to rise. The area is very mountainous and very difficult to access, but there are currently no plans to appeal for international aid, an official said.

CNN International
The 6.5-magnitude quake, which struck at about 2:28 a.m. (0628 GMT), shook the Strait of Gibraltar, just off the northern coast of Morocco. It was centered in an area 185 miles (295 km) east-northeast of Rabat. "It's a violent earthquake and the death toll will probably raise," said a Moroccan official in Rabat. It is feared the toll could reach 100. "

This quake occurred when many were sleeping, so the death toll is expected to rise. Many of the houses in rural areas are made of mud brick, and like the houses in the recent Iran earthquake, they cannot withstand such shaking.



[Edited on 24-2-2004 by Zion Mainframe]

[Edited on 24-2-2004 by Zion Mainframe]

Update
At least 564 are dead, and another 300 are injured.

Final Update
A total of 628 people were killed and 926 others injured. 2,539 houses were destroyed, with 152,300 people being homeless.