No reported Filipino casualties in Morocco quake –embassy

No Filipinos were reported hurt or killed in the strong earthquake that hit Morocco, according to the Philippine Embassy in Morocco.

The 6.8-magnitude quake struck a mountainous area 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakesh at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT) Friday, the US Geological Survey reported.

At least 4,600 Filipinos are working in Morocco.

The embassy continued to monitor the situation and incoming reports from local authorities, Sam Nielsen said on Super Radyo dzBB.

Embassy personnel were also reported to be safe.

Updated Moroccan Interior Ministry figures on Saturday showed the quake killed at least 1,037 people, the vast majority in Al-Haouz, the epicenter, and Taroudant provinces.

Another 1,204 people were injured, including 721 in a critical condition, the ministry said.

The ministry also recorded deaths in Ouarzazate, Chichaoua, Azilal and Youssoufia provinces, as well as in Marrakesh, Agadir and the Casablanca area.

Foreign leaders expressed their condolences and many offered assistance, including Israel with which Morocco normalized relations in 2020.

US President Joe Biden said in a statement he was "deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation".

Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed "deep grief for the victims" and hope that "the Moroccan government and people will be able to overcome the impact of this disaster", according to Beijing's state media.

Pope Francis expressed "his profound solidarity with those who are touched in the flesh and heart by this tragedy". — DVM, GMA Integrated News