The temblor struck late Friday with the epicentre 75km west of Marrakesh, Morocco’s fourth-largest city.

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake has hit Morocco killing at least 820 people, injuring more than 670, damaging ancient buildings, and sending terrified residents fleeing their homes into the streets for safety.

Morocco’s state television reported the death toll on Saturday, citing the Ministry of Interior. Of those injured, 205 were in a critical condition.