Race against time in the Moroccan earthquake

As search and rescue efforts continue in remote villages following the deadliest earthquake in 60 years in Morocco on Friday, the death toll is expected to rise to at least 2,100.

Survivors of the magnitude 7 earthquake are struggling to find food, water and shelter.

State television reported that Morocco is willing to accept help from other countries and will coordinate this help if necessary. Many people spent the night on the streets, as aid workers struggled to reach the worst-hit villages in the rugged High Atlas Mountains, where residential areas are often remote.

While many countries offered assistance, AFAD announced Saturday that Turkey was willing to send 265 humanitarian workers and 1,000 tents from AFAD, the Turkish Red Crescent and other non-governmental organizations.

According to local media reports, the earthquake caused the historically important 12th century Tinmel Mosque in Morocco to collapse. Some parts of the ancient city of Marrakech, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, were also damaged by the earthquake. (Reuters)