Morocco quake kills at least 296 people

1 Oct 22:34 Key points summarised by AI

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck 72 kilometres southwest of Marrakesh, Morocco, late Friday, causing at least 296 deaths and 153 injuries, according to preliminary government reports.
The tremors were widely felt across major cities including Marrakesh, Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira, leading to widespread panic, power outages, and residents fleeing their homes.
Significant damage was reported, with buildings collapsing and rubble in the streets of Marrakesh, prompting authorities to mobilize resources and regional calls for blood donations for the injured.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.