Rabat, 12 September 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Moroccan authorities said on Tuesday that 2,901 people have been killed in the earthquake that struck the North African country, as hope of finding survivors dwindles.

Most of those killed have been buried, the Interior Ministry said.

Some 5,530 people were injured in the 6.8-magnitude quake that hit the kingdom on Friday.

Rescue and relief efforts are still ongoing, as authorities work on opening roads damaged or blocked, the ministry added.

Rescue efforts have been described as slow by witnesses due to the difficult road conditions, especially in the villages of the Atlas Mountains.

The quake triggered rock slides, blocking roads and making it hard for rescue teams to reach the large affected mountainous areas.

Morocco agreed to support offers made by Spain, Qatar, Britain and the UAE, adding that it could later accept offers made by other countries.

Germany again offered help to Morocco on Monday, however, Rabat has shown no interest.

The UN Children's Agency (UNICEF) said that initial reports indicate that approximately 100,000 children have been impacted by the earthquake.

The United Nations estimates that more than 300,000 people have been affected in Marrakesh and in the High Atlas Mountains.

Photo: MIA archive