More Than 2,800 Fatalities Reported in Morocco Earthquake

The search continues for survivors after a powerful earthquake rocked the mountain villages outside of Marrakech, Morocco late Friday night. Here is the latest news on this natural disaster and where the search and rescue operations stand.

Over 2,800 People Now Confirmed Dead in Morocco After Powerful Earthquake

The Moroccan state media has confirmed that over 2,800 people are dead after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Atlas Mountain range area late last week. With over 2,500 injuries, the death toll is expected to rise in the coming days. The province of Al Hauoz has seen the most fatalities, with at least 1,500 confirmed deaths.

The epicenter of the quake was located about 45 miles from the popular tourist destination and densely populated city of Marrakech. Because the earthquake struck at a relatively shallow depth of just 11.4 miles under the surface of the ground, the event was more destructive than other similar tremors at this magnitude.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), earthquakes in this part of Africa are rare. There have been only nine earthquakes measuring higher than a magnitude of five since 1900. Friday's earthquake is now distinguished as the strongest to hit the center of the country in over a century.