Death toll rises to over 2,000 in Morocco’s earthquake

MARRAKESH – The death toll from a powerful earthquake in Morocco has soared to more than 2,000, with a similar number of injured.

Morocco was on Friday hit by night earthquake and that country’s interior ministry said more than 1,400 people had serious injuries, and the heaviest casualties are in provinces just south of Marrakesh.

Fearing aftershocks, many Moroccans have opted to stay outdoors for a second night, sleeping on the streets, reported the BBC.

The epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains; there are reports of entire villages flattened in remote areas, though information continues to emerge.

BBC correspondent, Nick Beake, reported that in one remote community, an elderly woman was wailing after 18 bodies had been recovered in a single place.

Marrakesh’s famous, central square Jemaa el-Fna was among the places that were hit by Friday night’s earthquake.

There are many tourist attractions, historic buildings and popular cafes and restaurants around it.

The 850-year-old Kutubiyya mosque itself partly collapsed, with a damaged minaret.

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