TAFEGHAGHTE, Morocco : Moroccan soldiers and international aid teams are engaged in a race against time as they work to reach remote mountain towns devastated by a massive earthquake. The earthquake, which struck on Friday night with a magnitude of 6.8, has claimed the lives of more than 2,400 people and left thousands injured.

The United Nations estimates that approximately 300,000 people have been affected by the earthquake, which was made even more perilous due to its shallow depth. Most of the destruction and casualties have occurred in Al Haouz province in the High Atlas Mountains. Here, homes have crumbled, and winding mountain roads have been blocked by debris.

Despite the arrival of trucks full of soldiers in some affected towns, survivors are growing increasingly desperate for more assistance. While aid offers have poured in from around the world, Moroccan officials have so far accepted assistance from just four countries: Spain, Qatar, Britain, and the United Arab Emirates.

Foreign aid teams have expressed frustration at awaiting permission to deploy, and some have been sent home due to delays. Germany, the Czech Republic, and other countries have rescue teams ready to assist but are awaiting the green light from the Moroccan government.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna emphasized that Morocco has the autonomy to make its own choices regarding international aid offers. France has pledged 5 million euros ($5.4 million) in emergency funds to support Moroccan and international non-governmental organizations in their relief efforts.

The earthquake, Morocco's strongest in over a century, struck regions where many buildings are constructed with mud bricks, leaving structures vulnerable to seismic activity. Aftershocks have continued to shake the affected area, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.

Flags across Morocco have been lowered as the nation observes three days of national mourning, declared by King Mohammed VI. However, for survivors, there is little time for mourning as they sift through the rubble in search of loved ones and salvage belongings from damaged homes.

The tragic earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the need for disaster preparedness and resilient construction in regions prone to seismic activity.