Death toll from Morocco earthquake surpasses 2,600

The death toll from the devastating earthquake in Morocco has risen to 2,681, and the injuries to 2,501, according to the latest statement released by the Moroccan government.

The rescue teams dispatched by Spain and the UK have arrived in the village of Amizmiz near the epicentre. Helicopters are seen shuttling back and forth between the tremor-hit old city of Marrakesh and other quake-affected areas, Xinhua news agency reported.

Rescue and relief efforts are also continuing to access the hardest-hit mountainous regions.

There is still a shortage in the supply of gasoline and covers.

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit the North African country at 11:11 p.m. local time on Friday at a depth of 18.5 km, said the US Geological Survey.