Morocco earthquake killed 300 as they slept

MORE THAN 300 people, mainly woman, children and the elderly, died as they slept when a powerful earthquake struck northern Morocco in the early hours yesterday.

Survivors frantically dug through rubble with bare hands to search for loved ones as rescue teams struggled to reach the area.

They reported difficulties in reaching the stricken region, located in the foothills of the Rif Mountains and served by narrow, poor roads.