The army works to recover corpses of earthquake victims, in Tafeghaghte, Morocco, 09 September 2023. EFE/EPA/JALAL MORCHIDI

The army works to recover corpses of earthquake victims, in Tafeghaghte, Morocco, 09 September 2023. EFE/EPA/JALAL MORCHIDI

Flags at half-mast in Marrakech as search for survivors continues

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Marrakech, Morocco, Sep 10 (EFE).- Flags were flying at half mast at public buildings and hotels in Marrakech on Sunday, as Morocco mourns the victims of a magnitude-7 earthquake.

People covered in blankets sleep outside along Avenue Mohammed VI in Marrakesh, Morocco, 10 September 2023, after a powerful earthquake. EFE/EPA/YOAN VALAT

At least 2,012 people are confirmed to have died in Friday night’s earthquake, with a similar number of injured. Casualty figures are expected to climb on Sunday as the search for survivors continues.

Tourists queue to enter the departures terminal at the airport as they wait to catch a flight out, in Marrakesh, Morocco, 10 September 2023, following a powerful earthquake. EFE/EPA/YOAN VALAT

In Marrakech, blankets were being distributed to the those who slept outdoors among the rubble of damaged or destroyed buildings for fear of aftershocks.

Hundreds of people sleep outside on Jeema El Fna square after a powerful earthquake hit Morocco, in Marrakech, Morocco, early 10 September 2023. EFE/EPA/YOAN VALAT

Some tourists have remained in the city, one of the country’s most popular destinations, although many have booked flights to leave due to the emergency.

Meanwhile, international aid is beginning to arrive. A contingent of the Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME) with 65 members and four sniffer dogs was heading to Morocco to help in the search and rescue work, while a team of Spanish firefighters was on its way to Marrakech. EFE

mt/ks