Morocco earthquake: CARE's latest updates & how to help

Image of the aftermath of the Morocco earthquake. Photo: CARE France

By CARE Staff September 9, 2023

Near midnight local time on Friday, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit the Al-Haouz region of Morocco. Government authorities and relief groups have already reported more than 1,000 deaths, with the toll climbing by the hour.

“Many already struggled in Morocco prior to the earthquake. Now, hundreds of thousands have lost everything in a matter of seconds,” said Deepmala Mahla, CARE’s Vice President of Humanitarian Affairs.

“Every hour, the level of devastation is increasing.”

The epicenter of the quake was in the Atlas Mountain region, about 50 miles from the city of Marrakech. The affected area is home to about 1.8 million people, and is also the area in Morocco where CARE primarily works.

The CARE teams on the ground are working to get emergency water, food, and medical support to survivors.

“It was an utterly terrifying night for all of us in Morocco,” said Hlima Razkaoui, CARE Morocco’s Country Director.

“As we have since 2008 in Morocco,” Mahla continued, “CARE will pay special attention to women and girls, youth, and disadvantaged groups.”

In 2022, women and girls made up 85% of those reached by CARE programs in the region supporting families overcoming poverty.

CARE Morocco’s office in Marrakech is working in the Al Haouz region, the epicenter of the earthquake. Despite the airports in Casablanca, Agadir and Marrakech, which can facilitate the delivery of international aid, the epicenter is in a mountainous area, which makes access difficult.

The New York Times has listed ways to help, including joining with CARE’s efforts.

The death toll from the earthquake that struck Morocco last night has passed 1,300. Here are some ways you can help victims and contribute to organizations helping with rescue and recovery efforts: https://t.co/p0qpBUdOoR

— Gaya Gupta (@gayalgupta) September 9, 2023

Saida*, who lives in Douar village, Amezmiz in province of Al Haouz in the region of Marrakech-Safi, took the following video of the immediate aftermath and shared it with CARE staff:

This is a developing story. Please check CARE News for further updates.

*Name changed.

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A powerful earthquake has struck central Morocco killing hundreds of people and causing devastation to towns and villages including Marrakech. The authorities are coordinating the emergency relief effort, and CARE is mobilizing its teams to help.

Morocco earthquake: CARE's latest updates & how to help

Near midnight local time on Friday, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit the Al-Haouz region of Morocco. Government authorities and relief groups have already reported more than 1,000 deaths, with the toll climbing by the hour.

“Every hour, the level of devastation is increasing.”

Give now

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TODAY – Your gift is matched 10X! Give the gift of hope to families in crisis who need food, shelter, and medicine. Your gift makes a difference!

Morocco earthquake: CARE's latest updates & how to help

Near midnight local time on Friday, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit the Al-Haouz region of Morocco. Government authorities and relief groups have already reported more than 1,000 deaths, with the toll climbing by the hour.

“Every hour, the level of devastation is increasing.”

Give now

Tagged

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TODAY – Your gift is matched 10X! Give the gift of hope to families in crisis who need food, shelter, and medicine. Your gift makes a difference!