Following a devastating earthquake in Morocco, the death toll has tragically risen to over 2,000 with rescue missions still ongoing.
The earthquake struck the nation with devastating force on Friday night, shaking the ancient city of Marrakesh and sending tremors rippling across the nation.
The epicenter of the quake was located in the High Atlas Mountains - some 71 kilometers (44 miles) southwest of Marrakesh - a UNESCO World Heritage site popular with tourists, as per BBC News.
The aftermath of the disaster has been catastrophic, particularly in provinces just south of Marrakesh, with Al Haouz province reporting the highest death toll, closely followed by Taroudant province.
While Marrakesh itself suffered considerable damage, it is in remote mountain areas where entire villages have been flattened.
According to the interior ministry, more than 1,400 individuals are grappling with serious injuries, and numerous residents are spending a second night exposed to the elements as they fear aftershocks.
In the midst of this heart-wrenching catastrophe, King Mohammed VI has declared three days of national mourning and has issued orders for the immediate distribution of shelter, food, and aid to survivors.
The interior ministry of Morocco has expressed that over 2,000 people have sadly lost their lives due to the devastation.
Flags across the nation will fly at half-mast for the next three days, as announced by the royal palace. King Mohammed VI has also deployed the armed forces to assist rescue teams, and Moroccans are rallying to donate blood to aid the victims.
This earthquake marks Morocco's deadliest in over six decades, since the 1960 Agadir earthquake, which claimed more than 12,000 lives. It is also the most powerful earthquake to strike Morocco in over a century.
The international community has offered support and solidarity during this difficult time. The United Nations has expressed its readiness to assist Morocco's government in its rescue efforts, with similar pledges coming from countries including Spain, France, and Israel.
Even neighboring Algeria, which has had strained relations with Morocco in recent years, has opened its airspace for humanitarian flights to aid in relief efforts.
As per Al Jazeera, the Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said: "I offer my sincere condolences to the families of the earthquake victims and wish recovery to the injured."
He continued: "We continue to take measures in the implementation of royal directives aimed at following up and supporting relief efforts… In this great tragedy, I acknowledge the tremendous efforts made by the public authorities with great professionalism and great mobilization."
Pope Francis offered his thoughts, sharing: "I pray for the injured, for those who have lost their lives, so many of them, and for their relatives.
While thanking the rescuers for their heroics during this time of tragedy, the Pope concluded: "We stand with the people of Morocco."
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.
