A disastrous earthquake struck Morocco’s High Atlas Mountain Range on Friday night. The cataclysm has thus far caused the deaths of over 2,000 people in an appalling loss of life.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located about 72 kilometers southwest of Marrakech, which is a world-renowned historic city, with a population of over 900,000, and a large tourist destination. Tremors from the earthquake were felt as far away as southern Spain.

Many of Marrakech’s historic palaces, mosques, and gardens have been a part of the city since medieval times. Some of the historic red walls that surround Marrakech’s old city center have been destroyed by the disaster.

In addition to the 2,000 plus fatalities, over 2,000 people have been injured with over 1,000 in critical condition. The number of casualties is expected to increase significantly as search crews dig through the vast amounts of rubble and debris created by the quake.

International aid has been offered to the Moroccan government from countries such as Spain, France, Great Britain, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. Many mountain towns have been completely devastated by the earthquake.

Mohammed, 50, lost four family members from the earthquake, “I managed to get out safely with my two children but lost the rest. My house is gone. We are out here in the streets with authorities as they try to pull the dead from the rubble. Many people were transported to the hospital in front of me. We are hoping for miracles from the rubble,” he stated.

Rescue crews are racing against time, as the first 72 hours are paramount to earthquake rescue success. This is because the condition of those still alive and buried in the rubble can quickly reach a critical stage beyond that point in time.

Many people in Marrakech have been forced to sleep outdoors for fear of aftershocks. Health authorities have asked for people to donate blood to help the multitude of wounded, an effort in which the Moroccan National Soccer Team has pitched in with.

This earthquake has been Morrocco’s deadliest since 1960 when 12,000 people were killed in an astronomical calamity. King Mohammed VI has declared three days of national mourning in reverence for the victims of this tragedy.