Morocco earthquake support
A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck in Morocco Friday evening (September 8, 2023). It was the strongest earthquake there in over a century. The newest official figures – launched by Morocco’s Interior Ministry on Monday – introduced 2,862 deaths, with 2.562 injured. These numbers are nonetheless rising. The New York Times reported on Monday, September 11, that desperation was mounting in some locations in Morocco, the place support was gradual to reach. AP has a great article – up to date late within the day yesterday – about why aid efforts have been tough, and the most effective locations and techniques for donating to date.
In response to AP:
…probably the most direct approach to offer support to these affected within the metropolis of Marrakech and the agricultural areas within the Atlas Mountains is to donate to organizations which have operations already on the bottom in Morocco. That takes on further significance as a result of to date the Moroccan authorities has accepted governmental support from solely 4 nations — Spain, Qatar, Britain and the United Arab Emirates — because it tries to keep away from a ‘counterproductive’ lack of coordination.
Locations to donate
AP additionally mentioned that these organizations are accepting donations for aid in Morocco:
— The Worldwide Federation of Pink Cross and Pink Crescent Societies (IFRC) shortly launched $1.1 million from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund to assist Moroccan Pink Crescent aid efforts within the nation. “We count on this preliminary launch of cash to make a distinction on the bottom,” mentioned Dr. Hossam Elsharkawi, IFRC’s regional director of Center East and North Africa, mentioned in a press release. “Will probably be used to purchase important provides domestically in Morocco. The folks within the Moroccan Pink Crescent know their communities finest, and know finest what is required.”
— World Central Kitchen is teaming with Moroccan volunteers to offer meals and water within the distant areas hardest hit by the earthquake. Nevertheless, World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres mentioned the group’s helicopters are doing double duty, dropping off provides in these areas and evacuating injured folks on their return journeys.
— Medical doctors With out Borders has sent 10 staff members to Morocco to evaluate what the native hospital wants are and the way the group can assist the Moroccan authorities with provides or logistics.
— CARE, which has been working in Morocco since 2008 to assist folks get entry to primary providers, has launched the Morocco Earthquake Emergency Fund, which it says will prioritize offering girls and women, youth, and deprived teams meals and shelter.
— GlobalGiving’s Morocco Earthquake Relief Fund had raised almost $500,000 by Monday afternoon to offer meals, water and shelter to those that have misplaced their houses within the earthquake, in addition to supporting long-term restoration efforts.
Backside line: The New York Instances reported that Morocco earthquake support has been gradual in coming in some areas. AP put collectively an excellent checklist of locations to donate now.
