A 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco has killed more than 2,000 people, according to officials. The earthquake struck in the early hours of Saturday morning, local time, in the High Atlas mountain range, about 46 miles southeast of Marrakech. Many of the fatalities are said to be in remote villages in the area, which are difficult to access.
Tourists have been donating blood and other supplies to help the relief effort, while witnesses have told of their shock as the earthquake hit. The earthquake caused widespread damage, with buildings collapsed and roads blocked. Rescue workers are still working to reach survivors and assess the full extent of the damage.
The Moroccan government has declared three days of mourning for the victims of the earthquake. The country is also seeking international assistance to help with the relief effort.
The earthquake occurred at 11:11 p.m. local time on Friday (6:11 p.m. ET).
The epicenter of the earthquake was in the High Atlas mountain range, about 46 miles southeast of Marrakech.
The earthquake was felt in several other countries, including Algeria, Tunisia, and Spain.
The Moroccan government has deployed thousands of soldiers and rescue workers to the affected areas.
The International Red Cross has also sent teams to Morocco to help with the relief effort.
