DFA 'closely monitoring' situation in Morocco in wake of powerful earthquake

People take shelter and check for news on their mobile phones in Rabat after an earthquake in  Morocco. Picture: AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) says it is closely monitoring the situation on the ground in Morocco following last night's earthquake which killed more than 800 people and injured hundreds more.

According to Moroccan state media, the death toll from the quake currently stands at 820, though this figure is likely to climb further. 

More than 620 people were also injured in the magnitude 7.2 quake. 

The quake's epicentre was Ighil, an area of small farming villages in the Atlas Mountains, about 70km south-west of Marrakech.

Searches for survivors are underway in affected areas.

World heritage site

In Marrakech, some buildings were damaged and destroyed in the old city, a Unesco world heritage site.

The DFA says any Irish citizens in affected areas should follow safety instructions from local authorities and monitor local media.

"If urgent, the Embassy of Ireland in Rabat, Morocco can be contacted in-country on [phone]. Any concerned family members in Ireland can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs at 01 408 2000," a DFA spokesperson said.

Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin said he was "shocked to learn of the devastating earthquake.

"Our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones, the injured, and with brave first responders," he said.

"Ireland stands in solidarity with the people of Morocco."