Morocco earthquake: More than 1000 people killed after devastating tremors strike

The earthquake struck Morocco's Atlas Mountains and caused tremors as far away as Portugal.

Many of the fatalities are said to be across areas in south of Marrakech which are difficult to reach.

Videos shared on social media show a huge cloud of dust rising in Marrakesh as officials work to clear roads.

Aftershocks have been reported with witnesses describing "unbearable screaming and crying".

The United States Geological Survey has warned that the death toll was likely to rise significantly.

The Interior Ministry has urged people to remain calm, adding that the quake had hit the provinces of Al Haouz, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant.

Montasir Itri, a resident of the mountain village of Asni near the epicentre, said most houses there were damaged.

He said: "Our neighbours are under the rubble and people are working hard to rescue them using available means in the village.

Near Taroudant, teacher Hamid Afkar said he had fled his home and felt aftershocks.

"The earth shook for about 20 seconds. Doors opened and shut by themselves as I rushed downstairs from the second floor," he said.

It comes after the Canary Islands were hit with ten earthquakes in 24 hours on Thursday.

Experts have been evaluating risks for locals after three tremors with a magnitude of three or greater struck the area.

Areas near populated regions were reportedly affected by the tremors, according to data from Spain's Institute of National Geography.