Crews in Morocco have reached a critical stage in the race to find survivors of an earthquake. They know the first 72 hours are crucial in finding people alive. Interior Ministry officials announced on Monday that at least 2800 people have died.

The magnitude 6.8 quake struck late Friday in the mountains southwest of Marrakech. The tremors reduced dozens of villages to rubble. Soldiers mounted rescue operations with support from teams from Spain, the UK, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Officials with the World Health Organization say the disaster has affected more than 300,000 people. Thousands are homeless. Government officials have set up tents and are distributing blankets, food and water. However, residents say there is not enough of anything.

Moroccan authorities have received offers of assistance from dozens of countries. But they have not accepted further aid.

Doctors in the region have seen their hospitals damaged. So, they are working in makeshift medical centers to treat the thousands who have been injured. They are getting help from doctors from larger cities but are struggling with limited resources.