UPDATE:            After the 6.8 M earthquake of 8 September in Al Haouz Province, the number of casualties is increasing.

According to the national authorities, 2,946 people died while the amount of injured people reached 5,674.

The Government of Morocco is conducting the emergency response, in addition, the UN continues close communication with the national authorities.

The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMSR695) was activated in rapid mapping mode on 9 September and 16 maps have been produced so far.

In a devastating turn of events, Morocco has been rocked by a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake, leaving a grim trail of destruction in its wake and claiming the lives of at least 632 people. The catastrophe unfolded as the quake initially struck with a magnitude of 6.8 at 11:11 pm local time on Friday, followed by a 4.9 magnitude aftershock roughly 20 minutes later, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Local reports have painted a  picture of the disaster's epicenter in Marrakech and the surrounding areas, which bore the full force of nature's wrath. Numerous buildings have been reduced to rubble and dust, and the anguish of residents is palpable as they grapple with the catastrophic aftermath.

Morocco's interior ministry has confirmed that the earthquake's tremors rippled across multiple provinces, including Al Haouz, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant. Authorities are working diligently to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts, urging residents to remain calm and vigilant in the face of this unprecedented crisis.

The scale of the destruction has been captured in heart-wrenching videos and images shared on various social media platforms. Among the casualties, some buildings have collapsed entirely, and even hospitals have had to be evacuated to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Tragically, one of Marrakech's most cherished landmarks, the 12th-century Koutoubia mosque, has also fallen victim to the earthquake's fury. While reports confirm damage to this historic site, the full extent of the destruction remains uncertain. The mosque's 226-foot minaret, often referred to as the "roof of Marrakech," has suffered harm, compounding the city's sorrow.

As Morocco grapples with the aftermath of this harrowing earthquake, emergency response teams are working tirelessly to aid those affected, and authorities are meticulously assessing the extent of the damage. The thoughts and condolences of the world are with the people of Morocco during this trying time, and further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.