Morocco earthquake updates: Over 2,900 killed in rare, powerful quake

(MARAKECH, Morocco) — The death toll has continued to climb in the wake of the rare and powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco Friday night.

More than 2,900 people are confirmed dead.

The quake, Morocco’s strongest in more than a century, hit the country’s High Atlas mountain range near Marrakech.

Latest headlines:
-Rescuers reach epicenter
-USAID makes up to $1M available for Morocco
-Death toll reaches 2,946

Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern.

Sep 13, 4:50 PM EDT
Death toll reaches 2,946

The death toll in Morocco has reached at least 2,946.

Rescuers have been digging in remote areas on Wednesday looking for survivors.

Sep 13, 10:49 AM EDT
USAID makes up to $1M available for Morocco

Samantha Power, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, said Wednesday the agency would make up to $1 million available in initial humanitarian aid for Morocco’s recovery efforts.

“This funding will help organizations on the ground provide emergency food assistance, health services, shelter, and mental health and psychosocial resources to assist the Moroccan-led response,” Power said in a statement. “The United States is also sharing specialized technical expertise directly with the Moroccan government to bolster its ongoing emergency response.”

“We stand ready to provide further support if requested by the Moroccan government,” Power added.

ABC News’ Shannon Crawford

Sep 12, 9:02 AM EDT
Death toll rises to 2,901

The death toll from the devastating earthquake has increased to 2,901.

Another 5,530 people are injured.

Sep 11, 3:40 PM EDT
Moroccan government still not accepting US support

State Department spokesperson Matt Miller confirmed Monday that the Moroccan government has still not taken the United States up on its offer to provide support in its earthquake relief despite direct outreach from Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Blinken spoke with Morocco’s foreign minister this weekend and expressed his condolences, Miller said.

“They also discussed how the United States can best support the government of Morocco’s leadership of the humanitarian response to the tragedy, and the secretary and the foreign minister pledged to stay in close contact as the response efforts continue,” Miller said.

Asked whether the U.S. was providing any direct aid at the moment, Miller said, “We have made the offer for assistance and are in close consultations with the Moroccan government about how we can best provide that assistance.”

ABC News’ Shannon Crawford

Sep 11, 3:25 PM EDT
Death toll climbs to 2,862

The death toll from the devastating earthquake now stands at 2,862.

Another 2,562 people are injured.

 

 

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