Caroline Holt, the global director of operations at IFRC, noted the necessity of these funds, stating their allocation for "health, water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter relief items and basic needs."

She stressed the importance of preventing a potential second wave of disaster in the wake of the earthquake.

Rescue operations were still underway on Tuesday, with Moroccan and international teams working tirelessly to search for survivors amidst the debris of collapsed mud-brick homes.

The earthquake, measuring 6.8 in magnitude, was the strongest ever recorded in Morocco. It marked the deadliest earthquake in the country since the 1960 Agadir earthquake, which claimed between 12,000 and 15,000 lives.

The latest official toll reported more than 2,862 fatalities and over 2,500 injuries, underlining the scale of the tragedy. Morocco accepted assistance from rescue teams dispatched by Britain, Qatar, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates but declined offers from other nations, including the United States and Israel.

Caroline Holt defended the perceived slow pace of international aid reception, explaining that the situation was overwhelming and required careful coordination and consideration. She emphasized the complexities of reaching remote areas with evolving needs.

The Moroccan government prioritized search and rescue efforts before the window for such operations closed, which was expected to occur in the coming hours.