300 believed dead in Morocco

A powerful earthquake struck as northern Morocco slept early today, toppling houses and killing at least 300 people, local authorities said.

Many of the victims were women, children, and the elderly.

The quake shook rural areas near the Mediterranean city of Al Hoceima, and there were deep worries about the fate of three outlying villages – Ait Kamra, Tamassint and Imzourn – where 30,000 people live in mud structures unable to withstand a major natural disaster.

“If we take into account the 140 people already killed in Al Kamra, we believe that the toll will rise to more than 300,” said a spokesman for village authorities told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The 6.5-magnitude quake was centred 100 miles north-east of Fes in the Mediterranean Sea.

The death toll in the North African kingdom climbed steadily throughout the day as rescuers began reaching the hard-hit areas.

Military and civilian rescuers were dispatched to the scene to help survivors and search for victims trapped under rubble, while helicopters filled with emergency supplies were preparing for takeoff.

However, rescuers reported difficulties in reaching the affected area, located in the foothills of the Rif Mountains and served by narrow, poor roads.