Morocco earthquake death toll hits 1,037

The number of people who have died in Morocco following the earthquake has now hit 1,037, state television quotes the interior ministry as saying.

The quake – measuring magnitude 6.8 – sent people rushing into the streets in Marrakesh and other cities.

Many of the deaths were said to be in hard-to-reach mountain areas.

The quake struck just after 23:00 local time, at a relatively shallow depth of 71km (44 miles) south-west of Marrakesh, according to the US Geological Survey.

Dramatic video footage show damaged buildings and rubble-strewn streets.

Meanwhile a UK search-and-rescue charity is standing by to send a team to Morocco.

Mark Scorer, director of operations at Saraid, told the BBC they are ready to help if needed – as they did earlier this year following the devastating Turkey earthquake.

Scorer said rescuers could begin providing expert advice and assistance within 12 to 24 hours.

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