The death toll from the devastating earthquake in Morocco has increased to 2,901, with 5,530 injured, according to the latest government statement. The earthquake, the deadliest in Morocco in 60 years, struck the High Atlas mountains south of Marrakesh on September 8.
The village of Ouirgane in the Atlas Mountains was one of the hardest hit, with all houses flattened and most residents sleeping in tents or leaving the village.
Morocco has accepted offers of aid from Spain, Britain, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, while offers from other countries are pending approval. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for 100 million Swiss francs ($112 million) to support the victims.
Rescue and relief efforts are continuing to access the hardest-hit mountainous regions, but there is a shortage of gasoline and covers.
The most pressing needs at this time are water, sanitation, and shelter, Caroline Holt, global director of operations at IFRC, told reporters in Geneva.
