The death toll in the earthquake that struck the North African country of Morocco has risen above 1000, as authorities continue to frantically search through rubbles for survivors, Peoples Gazette can report.

According to The New York Times, at least 1,037 people have been confirmed killed with hundreds injured in the 6 8 magnitude earthquake that occurred overnight on Friday about 50 miles from the city of Marrakesh.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake, which is Morocco’s strongest since 123 years ago, occurred around 11 p.m. local time on Friday and its epicentre was in the High Atlas mountains, about 72 km southwest of Marrakech.

“Since 1900, there have been no earthquakes M6 [magnitude 6] or larger within 500km of this earthquake, and only nine M5 [magnitude 5] and larger,” the USGS said on its website.

Images on state television showed buildings toppled and heavily damaged as residents scrambled for safety – jammed vehicles and rocks blocked roads leading to heavily affected areas, slowing down rescue efforts in the early hours of Saturday.

The Times reported Doctors Without Borders confirmed that it was sending teams to Morocco to help supplement the efforts of local authorities – “Our response will depend on the needs that are assessed on-site,” the group said in a statement.