The epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) south-west of Marrakesh - a city with world heritage status which is popular with tourists.
It is believed that many simple mud brick, stone and timber homes in mountain villages will have collapsed, but the scale of devastation in remote areas will take some time to assess.
But such places are hard to reach, with mountain roads strewn with rocks and other debris, making access difficult for the emergency services.
The king ordered the armed forces to assist rescue teams, and Moroccans are donating blood as part of the national effort to help victims.
The UN said it was ready to assist the government of Morocco in its rescue efforts - and similar pledges have come from several countries including Spain, France and Israel.
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