Morocco earthquake death toll reaches nearly 300

The number of fatalities in a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Morocco has reached nearly 300, according to the country’s Interior Ministry.

According to the ministry, at least 296 people were killed in the provinces and prefectures of El Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudan.

Morocco's geophysical center said the quake struck in the Ighil area of the High Atlas with a magnitude of 7.2. The US Geological Survey put the quake's magnitude at 6.8 and said it was at a relatively shallow depth of 18.5 km (11.5 miles).