The death toll continues to rise after the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco. According to Moroccan state television, the Ministry of the Interior has confirmed that the number of fatalities has reached a staggering 820 people. Additionally, there are reported to be at least 672 injured, with 205 in critical condition as a result of the earthquake.

This rare and powerful earthquake hit Morocco late Friday night, claiming the lives of more than 800 people and causing severe damage to buildings from small villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakech. However, the total casualty count remains uncertain as rescue teams struggle to clear roads strewn with debris leading to the most affected remote mountain villages.

People, awakened by the earthquake, rushed into the streets in terror and disbelief. A man in a nearby apartment stated that dishes and wall decorations began falling, and people were knocked off their feet and chairs. A woman described fleeing her house after experiencing an "intense vibration." A man holding a child said he was abruptly awakened in his bed by the shaking.

State television showed people gathered in the streets of Marrakech, afraid to re-enter buildings that may still be unstable. Many wrapped themselves in blankets as they attempted to sleep outdoors.

Furthermore, tourists in Marrakech shared their experiences on social media, noting that the historic old town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffered extensive damage.

This magnitude 6.8 earthquake is the strongest to hit Morocco in 120 years, toppling buildings and walls in ancient cities constructed from stone and masonry not designed to withstand seismic activity. The nation is in a state of shock and mourning as rescue efforts continue to search for survivors and assess the extent of the damage.