The death toll from the powerful earthquake that hit Morocco reached 1,037. state television reported today, citing the Ministry of Interior, while more than 1,200 are injured, 721 in critical condition.

Horrific footage shared on social media showed a huge cloud of dust rising in Marrakech – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hugely popular tourist city – as buildings collapsed and people ran for their lives.

The 7.2-magnitude quake struck Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and sent shockwaves as far away as Portugal, leaving entire families missing as witnesses described hearing “unbearable screams and cries” and seeing distraught relatives frantically searching. with bare hands to the ruins for their loved ones.

As reported by Moroccan media, this is the strongest earthquake that has hit the country to date, while it was also felt in other African countries, such as Mauritania and Algeria, as well as in the southern part of Portugal and Spain.