Death toll from earthquake in Morocco exceeds 2,000

Death toll exceeds 2,000 in earthquake-ravaged Morocco. About one and a half thousand people were seriously injured. The army joined the rescue operation. Reuters news.

The highest number of casualties in this earthquake occurred in the country's Al Hauz province. Thousands of people spent the night under the open sky as houses were destroyed. The members of the emergency department have not yet reached many remote hilly areas. Acute shortage of food and clean water in disaster affected areas.

A terrible earthquake hit the country on Friday (September 8) night local time. It was centered on the Atlas Mountains, 44 miles southwest of the famous city of Marrakesh. Strong tremors were also felt in the capital Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir and Essaouira.

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has declared three days of state mourning. He ordered the provision of shelter, food and other necessary assistance.