Morocco earthquake updates: Over 2,900 killed in rare, powerful quake

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, said he is "profoundly saddened" after learning of the earthquake that took place in Morocco late Friday night, according to a statement issued by the UN Saturday morning.

"The Secretary-General was profoundly saddened to learn of the earthquake that hit Morocco today which claimed many lives," the statement read. "The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the government and people of Morocco in these difficult times. He addresses his most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured. The United Nations is ready to assist the government of Morocco in its efforts to assist the impacted population."

Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy in Morocco urged Americans to "exercise caution for the next 24 hours in case of additional earthquakes or aftershocks" and to "adhere to police instructions regarding road closures or traffic disruptions."

At least 296 people were killed Friday night when a 6.8-magnitude struck Marrakech, Morocco, according to Morocco’s Interior Ministry.

The quake struck within the Moroccan High Atlas Mountain range, roughly 75 km (46 miles) southeast of Marrakech, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

It was the strongest earthquake to hit that region in more than a century, according to the USGS.