Canadians in Morocco confirmed that the earthquake that killed more than 2,000 people and injured hundreds more in the North African country is "absolutely unbelievable" and "terrifying".

Fiona Richards from Nelson, British Columbia, who is on holiday in the old part of Marrakech, said that she and her friends from Vancouver were in an open courtyard when the tremors began on Friday, and they were not sure what to do.

Richards said during a phone interview on Saturday, "During the rumbling, we were hiding under the entrance, clinging to each other, we felt terrified, and the house was shaking violently, it was as if the floors were moving.”

"There were waves in the pool. We definitely thought the walls were coming down. We didn’t expect to come out of this without damage.”

Richards added that when it stopped, "we could hear screaming and crying... it was horrifying."

Richards continued that their rented house only suffered a few new cracks, but bricks fell from their neighbor's house, and they are very scared to return to it.

She added that many buildings have collapsed, and people are sleeping in the streets or other public places. In the markets, all the artisans' glass is shattered.

Serge Sassville, a Montreal city councilor who is also visiting Morocco on vacation, said he was just outside the center of Marrakech when the earthquake struck, noting that he and those around him are safe but "still shaken".

Sassville added via phone from his hotel room in the inner city, "People were drinking and eating, and everyone was enjoying themselves, but suddenly... the nightmare began, I thought someone was joking and pulling the rug out from under my seat because it felt as if the ground was swept from beneath my feet, it was absolutely incredible."

He said he saw destroyed buildings and people gathering in parks and schoolyards while he was on his way back to the hotel he was staying in downtown early Saturday morning. The surrounding neighborhood of the hotel he is staying in was not significantly damaged.

The earthquake's epicenter was located about 70 kilometers southwest of Marrakech, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, a government agency that measures seismic activity. It occurred at 11:11 PM local time.

A statement from Global Affairs Canada on Saturday said it was not aware of any Canadians injured or killed in the earthquake, and that Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly was in contact with staff at the Canadian embassy in Morocco, all of whom are safe and accounted for.

The statement noted that 4,763 people in Morocco have registered so far in the Canadian citizens abroad registration database. It also indicated that the ministry has been in contact with about 30 Canadians in Morocco and is providing assistance to them.

"Canada and Morocco have a long-standing relationship, with strong ties between our peoples. The vibrant Moroccan community present throughout Canada embodies strength and resilience," the statement said. "Our hearts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the earthquake, as well as with all those affected."

The minister urged Canadians in Morocco to register with Global Affairs Canada. Joly said in a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday morning that those needing assistance should contact the federal emergency monitoring and response center, which can provide urgent consular support.

The strong rare earthquake resulted in over 2,000 deaths, and the toll is expected to rise as rescuers struggle today, Sunday, to reach the severely affected remote areas. The 6.8 magnitude quake is the largest to strike Morocco in 120 years.

Montreal city councilor Abdelhak Sari said yesterday that local community members are having difficulties obtaining information from rural areas of the country after the disaster.

In a phone interview he said, "What I know about the tragedy is from urban areas... we can make connections and we can get information." He added, "But when we go to rural areas it's very tricky."

Sari said he was able to confirm that his family members in the capital, Rabat, are safe. However, he stated that the charity that he serves as vice president, Orphan Sun, has faced difficulty reaching out to its network in other parts of the country.

Mohamed Mataher, head of the organization – which supports African and Canadian orphans – said he spent the night trying to contact his partners in Morocco, stating, "I didn’t sleep; I’ve been reaching out to them for all the information, all the details on how we can help."

Mataher continued that he is already witnessing "a wave of solidarity" rallying to help earthquake victims. He and Sari are calling on the Canadian government to assist in relief efforts.

Sari said, “Morocco is a friend of Canada.” "If we can help, that would be greatly appreciated."

Global Affairs Canada stated, "It is ready to assist the Moroccan people during this difficult time, and Minister Joly has asked the department to determine the best ways to provide this support."

There are nearly 100,000 Canadians of Moroccan descent, according to the latest census. About 81,000 Canadian Moroccans live in Quebec, with nearly half of this population residing in Montreal. Many politicians in Quebec turned to social media on Saturday to express their concern and solidarity with those affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister François Legault wrote on Friday evening, "My heart is with the Moroccan people, Marrakech, Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Essaouira, all the wonderful cities I've visited."

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante wrote on X that "the images coming from Morocco after the country experienced an earthquake are devastating," adding tonight, "an entire community has been shaken. My thoughts are with Montrealers of Moroccan descent. We stand with you."