Here’s what we know so far:

– Strongest-ever in Morocco –

According to the US Geological Survey, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake — the strongest in the history of the North African nation — occurred Friday at 11:11 p.m. (2211 GMT) in an area of the Atlas mountain range 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of the city of Marrakesh.

It was also felt in the coastal communities of Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira, as well as Agadir, which was completely rebuilt in the 1960s following a devastating earthquake.

– Historic city hit –

Damage was caused by Friday’s earthquake in the popular tourist destination of Marrakesh, known for its expansive medina, or old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ochre-colored palaces and markets.

The city’s fortifications from the 12th century partially collapsed.

Some residents have camped out on the expansive Jemaa el-Fna square for the past two nights out of concern that their dwellings may also collapse.

– Atlas villages crumple –

In the provinces of Al-Haouz and Taroudant, in the most remote communities of the High Atlas, the devastation was the worst.

Near the epicenter of the earthquake, the mud-brick villages of Tafeghaghte and Moulay Brahim were nearly completely obliterated, according to AFP reporters.

On Saturday, 70 victims out of a population of approximately 100 were interred in Tafeghaghte alone.

– Deaths mount –

According to the most recent data from Morocco’s interior ministry, the earthquake killed at least 2,122 people and injured 2,421, many of whom are in critical condition.

Al-Haouz province recorded the most fatalities with 1,351, followed by Taroudant with over 450 fatalities.

According to Paris, four French citizens were slain.

– Rescue underway –

The race is on to get teams with heavy-lifting apparatus into the worst-affected areas, including mountain villages that are difficult to reach.

The Moroccan army and Red Crescent are conducting the rescue operation.

Caroline Holt, of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, stated on Saturday that “the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours will be crucial for saving lives.”

Following an official request from Morocco, Spain has dispatched 56 rescue personnel, as well as drilling apparatus and four search dogs.

Other nations are awaiting an invitation before they can intervene.

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Members of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey, and Israel — all of whom established diplomatic ties with Rabat in late 2020 — have expressed solidarity with Morocco and offered assistance.

– Three-day mourning –

After a meeting officiated over by King Mohammed VI, Morocco declared three days of national mourning on Saturday.

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