Sunday marks one month since a devastating earthquake hit the northern African country of Morocco. Many survivors are still living in makeshift tents and are now bracing for even harsher conditions as winter approaches.

The magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck a mountainous area in central Morocco late at night on September 8.

Government officials said the quake left at least 2,946 people dead and 5,674 injured, and damaged 50,000 houses.

On Friday, the government started providing monthly payments of about 240 dollars to families whose homes were completely or partially destroyed. Officials say the assistance will continue for a year.

However, a number of people in affected areas are still forced to live in crude tents.

One evacuee said it is cold at night, and he expressed fear of the coming winter. The person asked for more mattresses and blankets.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies pointed to the pressing need for insulated shelters and winter essentials. The relief organization said that the cold is piercing in the disaster-hit region, which sits at an altitude of about 2,000 meters.

With the affected areas scattered over a wide range of mountainous areas, providing support ahead of winter has become a major challenge.