Death toll from Morocco earthquake passes 2,000

The number of casualties from the earthquake in Morocco has now surpassed 2,000 after the North African country suffered a 6.8 magnitude quake on Friday night. 

Over 2,000 persons also sustained injuries, out of which about 1,400 are in serious condition.

The Moroccan interior ministry says the figures are expected to rise as rescue operators comb through the debris for survivors.

Many residents who survived the quake have sought shelter on the streets out of fear as aftershock tremors of magnitudes 3.9 and 4.5 were still recorded in Marrakesh on Sunday.

Many countries including the US, France, Israel, Spain, Qatar, Tunisia, and some international organisations, have pledged their readiness to support Morocco in rescue efforts.

Friday’s quake was Morocco’s deadliest in decades.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300,000 people have been affected by the disaster.