Rescue teams in Morocco are battling to reach people still trapped in the rubble of Friday’s devastating earthquake.

By Nathan Morley

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake, Morocco’s deadliest in over half a century, struck below villages in the Atlas Mountains.

It occurred shortly before midnight on Friday, and residents from across the mountainous regions ran into the streets and other open spaces as buildings crumbled, throwing up clouds of debris and dust.

In addition to those killed, authorities said 2,476 people have been injured.

Now, the situation on the ground still poses a huge challenge according to Caroline Holt, director of disaster, climate and crises for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Thousands of people have spent a third in night makeshift tents, fearful of any aftershocks.

Many are also struggling to access food and water.

Earlier, the Moroccan government confirmed it had accepted aid from Britain, Spain, Qatar and the UAE. Turkey, Israel and Tunisia have also pledged assistance.

Vatican News