Photo: Qatar Red Crescent
The earthquake that hit Morocco on Friday, September 8, had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, with a 4.9-magnitude aftershock hitting 19 minutes later. The earthquake struck within the Moroccan High Atlas Mountain range, roughly 75 km southeast of Marrakech.
Authorities are reporting several thousand people have lost their lives, with many more injured and the earthquake has caused widespread devastation. Some of the worst affected areas are remote and mountainous, therefore hard to access.
Red Cross Red Crescent response
The Moroccan Red Crescent was on the ground immediately after the earthquake, and continues to help people and communities impacted and as they recover from the disaster, coordinating closely with local authorities.
The most pressing needs now include providing shelter support to people whose homes have been impacted in addition to cooking supplies, hygiene items, and clean water.
More than 200 volunteers are providing first aid and psychosocial support to help people who have lost everything cope with the trauma.
The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement (the Movement) continues to assist people and communities impacted by the earthquake. The Movement is an independent entity that provides neutral and impartial humanitarian assistance and fulfills its mandate by working in close coordination with other organizations and government partners in the field to ensure the people affected by emergencies or disasters receive the best support possible.
Photo: Moroccan Red Crescent
Canadian Red Cross response to-date, in support of Red Cross Red Crescent relief efforts
Thanks to the generosity of people living in Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is contributing more than $250,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to help respond to immediate needs of people affected by the earthquake.
The Canadian Red Cross remains in close contact with our Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners and stands ready to respond with additional support, including relief items, personnel and our health emergency response unit. These items are maintained thanks to ongoing support from the Government of Canada, and the generosity of people in Canada.
How to support those impacted by the earthquake
People in Canada wishing to help are encouraged to make a financial donation to the
Morocco Earthquake Appeal: