Morocco earthquake death toll crosses 2,800

According to Reuters, search teams from Spain, Britain and Qatar were joining Moroccan rescue efforts after a 6.8 magnitude quake struck late on Friday in the High Atlas Mountains, with the epicentre 72 km (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech.

"Recovery from the earthquake could take years," the Associated Press quoted Patricia McIlreavy, CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, as saying.

Those left homeless — or fearing more aftershocks — have slept outside in the streets of the ancient city of Marrakech or under makeshift canopies in devastated towns like Moulay Brahim, a report said.

State news agency MAP reported that bulldozers and other equipment are being used to clear routes. Tourists and residents lined up to give blood. In some villages, people wept as boys and helmet-clad police carried the dead through streets.

Meanwhile, International aid groups, donors, both big and small, are also mobilising to support those relief efforts in Morocco. Experts were quoted by the Associated Press as saying that the most direct way to provide aid to those affected in the city of Marrakech and the rural areas in the Atlas Mountains is to donate to organisations that have operations already on the ground in Morocco.

That takes on additional importance because so far the Moroccan government has accepted governmental aid from only four nations — Spain, Qatar, Britain and the United Arab Emirates — as it tries to avoid a “counterproductive” lack of coordination.

“We are just seeing the scale and severity of disasters from natural hazards increasing and that is putting a drain on resources — both financial and human resources — and also, I'll be honest, empathy,” said Patricia McIlreavy, CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. “When you talk about what you can do, my No. 1 thing is: Remember. Keep them in your thoughts and look for ways to help them.”

(With inputs from agencies)