A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 has wrecked havoc in Morocco with the death toll crossing 2,000. The rescue operations are ongoing to find survivors from under rubble of collapsed buildings in many cities including Marrakesh, which is among the worst-affected areas.
According to Morocco's Interior Ministry, it is the country's strongest quake in over a century.
Scene of destruction and despair exists across many parts of the High Atlas Mountains. "Three of my grandchildren and their mother were killed-they are still under the rubble...Just a while ago, we were all playing together," villager Omar Benhanna told AFP.
The broken and blocked roads are hampering the rescue efforts in several areas. Even the difficult terrain is affecting the search operations.
Three days of national mourning was declared in the country after the quake.
According to officials, over 2,000 were injured and many were left homeless. Hundreds of people are seeking shelter in courtyards and streets.
According to a statement from military, Morocco's King Mohammed VI ordered to set up a surgical field hospital to cater to the needs of the people along with specialised search and rescue teams.
The quake had struck Morocco's Atlas Mountains on Friday late night damaging the historic buildings in Marrakesh, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fatalities were reported in Al-Haouz and Taroudant provinces as well.
Moroccan senator and former minister Lahcen Haddad said that the authorities are responding quickly despite many challenges, including difficult terrain. "After Hoceima earthquake in 2004, we have put together a mgea plan for a rapid intervention," he told Al Jazeera.
The quake has damaged the famous Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century.
The armed forces will deploy teams to provide quake-hit areas with clean drinking water, food supplies, tents and blankets.
Earlier too Morocco was hit with powerful earthquakes. Around 12,000 people were killed in an earthquake in Agadir in 1960.
