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

President Biden said in a written statement that he was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco.”

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this terrible hardship," the president said. "My administration is in contact with Moroccan officials. We are working expeditiously to ensure American citizens in Morocco are safe, and stand ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Moroccan people. The United States stands by Morocco and my friend King Mohammed VI at this difficult moment.”

The number of casualties in the Moroccan earthquake has risen as search and rescue operations to find survivors continued on Saturday afternoon.

The Moroccan Interior Ministry confirmed that at least 820 people have died and 672 people have been injured.

About half of the deaths were in the province of Al Haouz, which is near the epicenter of the quake, according to the Associated Press citing Moroccan state news agency (MAP). Authorities also recorded deaths in Taroudant, Chichaoua, Marrakech, Azilal, Ouarzazate, Agadir, Casablanca and Youssoufia, according to AP.

At least 632 people are dead and another 329 people have been injured in the earthquake that hit Morocco late Friday night, according to Morocco's Interior Ministry on Saturday morning. The casualties were mostly in Marrakech and the five provinces near the quake's epicenter. Authorities expect these numbers to rise as the search continues and rescuers reach remote areas.

Elsewhere, Moroccan media reported that the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, one of the city's most famed landmarks, suffered damage, but the extent was not immediately clear, according to the Associated Press.

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."