Rescue forces deploy operations to search for victims of the earthquake in Amizmiz, Morocco, September 9, 2023 (Photo: Reuters)

The historic earthquake occurred at night on Saturday, with the epicenter near the city of Marrakesh. Morocco's King Mohamed VI has declared three days of national mourning.

A majority of deaths were recorded in the Al Haouz region. Among the injured, hundreds are in critical conditions. Many people were determined to be buried in the rubble caused by the earthquake.

Rescue operations, with the core forces being soldiers and firefighters, were working hard throughout the night to search for survivors. But rescue forces are reported unable to reach some communities in the area near the quake epicenter because roads were cut off due to landslides.

The Moroccan Red Cross Society fears the death toll could continue to rise in the coming hours after rescuers reached the most devastated communities located in remote mountain areas.  

In a special directive released Saturday, King Mohammed VI requested the establishment of a special committee for post-earthquake reconstruction with the initial task of building houses for people who lost their homes in the affected area.

Until last night, dozens of countries and international organizations sent condolences and expressed solidarity with the people of Morocco.

Many countries in the region declared their readiness to send professional rescue forces and humanitarian aid to help Morocco overcome the consequences of the earthquake.