A devastating 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck a rural area of Morocco's northern coast at 2:27 am February 24 killing at least 570 people and leaving thousands homeless. The quake was centered in the Mediterranean Sea just off the coast of the city of Al Hoceima and was felt as far away as southern Spain. Numerous villages in the foothills of the Rif Mountains around the city were partially destroyed. The United States responded immediately with cash donations and emergency supplies. U.S. emergency response workers are also on the scene. President Bush offered his condolences on behalf of the American people and said the United States "stands ready to help in any way possible to assist our friends and allies in Morocco in this time of need."