Rabat: A powerful earthquake in Northeastern Morocco has killed 447 people and injured 250 others, according to an updated toll released by Morocco's official MAP news agency.

The quake, which struck the Al Hoceima province before dawn yesterday (Feb 24, 2004), was measured at 6.3 on the Richter scale by French seismologists.

Interior Minister Mostafa Sahel had announced a toll earlier yesterday evening of 229 dead.