Powerful earthquake leaves trail of destruction in Morocco, over 600 killed | Pics

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck central Morocco late on Friday, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

The US Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11.11 pm (2211 GMT), with shaking that lasted several seconds.

Morocco’s National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network measured it at 7 on the Richter scale. The U.S agency reported a magnitude-4.9 aftershock hit 19 minutes later.

The epicenter of Friday’s tremor was high in the Atlas Mountains roughly 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) south of Marrakech. It was also near Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, and Oukaimeden, a popular Moroccan ski resort.

A damaged vehicle is pictured in the historic city of Marrakech, following a powerful earthquake in Morocco.

The quake was felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere and Algeria’s Civil Defense agency, which oversees emergency response.

Several buildings collapsed and rubble was seen in the streets following the powerful earthquake.

Civil protection members search for survivors near rubble, following an earthquake, in Chichaoua.

Additionally, 300 injured people were sent to hospitals for treatment. The ministry wrote that most damage occurred outside of cities and towns.

Civil protection members prepare supplies and load them onto a truck, following an earthquake.

A view shows damage in the historic city of Marrakech, following a powerful earthquake.