More than 1,000 dead after powerful earthquake hits Morocco

Marrakesh: More than 1,000 people have been killed and more than 1,200 injured in the earthquake that struck in Morocco's High Atlas mountains overnight.

The Interior Ministry announced on Saturday afternoon that the death toll had risen to 1,037.

More than 700 people have been critically injured.

With rescue work still in its early stages, these figures are likely to continue rising for some time as emergency workers scour the rubble for survivors and bodies.

Moroccan rescuers are currently picking through the rubble, with aid efforts underway in hard-hit areas. 

Germany's Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) is mobilising for possible relief efforts in Morocco after the deadly earthquake.

"We are observing the situation and are currently preparing for a possible deployment," a spokesperson for THW said.

Morocco has not yet requested help from the EU or Germany after the disaster.  

More world leaders offer condolences after tragedy
The head of the African Union Commission expressed "great pain" over the deadly earthquake in Morocco.

"I learnt with great sadness of the tragic consequences of the earthquake that hit the kingdom of Morocco," Commision chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said, expressing his "sincere condolences" to the king, the Moroccan people and the families of the victims.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his condolences.

"Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco," Modi said on X. "In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones."  

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been among other world leaders reacting to Morocco's deadly earthquake.

"All my solidarity and support to the people of Morocco in the wake of this terrible earthquake... Spain is with the victims of this tragedy and its families," he wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

French President Emmanuel Macron said in a social media post: "We are all devastated after the terrible earthquake in Morocco. France stands ready to help with first aid."

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also expressed his sympathy.

"We stand by our Moroccan brothers and sisters with all our resources on this difficult day," Erdogan said in a post on social media.