MANILA – The Philippine Embassy in Morocco confirms that no Filipino was reported dead or hurt after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the country that killed hundreds of people and destroyed homes and historic buildings.

In a text message to DZRH, Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja confirms that “thus far, there are no reports of Filipinos affected by the quake.”

Baja added that it is important for Filipinos in Morocco to remain calm and alert for any aftershocks and to monitor local news to be aware of what is happening.

In a post on the Embassy’s Facebook page, it also advises the Filipino community in Morocco to be aware of local emergency numbers in their respective communities as an added precautionary measure.

For Filipinos needing assistance, the Embassy may be reached through the following numbers:

Philippine Embassy in Rabat, Morocco ATN Hotline (Mobile/Whatsapp): +212 694202178 and FB Messenger: @PHinMorocco.

When asked how many Filipinos are still in Marrakesh, Ambassador Baja said that there are about 50 in the said area and 4,600 Filipinos are living or working in Morocco.

Meanwhile, Moroccan state media reports that the death toll has risen to at least 820 and approximately 670 people are injured, with most of the casualties in hard-to-reach mountain areas.

The earthquake is by far the country’s deadliest since 2004 when an earthquake of a similar magnitude hit the northern Rif mountains near al-Hoceima and killed approximately 600 people, state media said.

The earthquake hit Morocco after 11pm local time on Friday evening, according to state media reports, and was felt all over the country including in the provinces of al-Haous, Ouarzazate, Marrakesh, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant.