Morocco Earthquake Response

On Friday, September 8th, a powerful, 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco’s High Atlas mountain range shortly after 11:00 p.m. local time. The earthquake primarily affected the city of Marrakech and surrounding areas, a city of over 840,000 people. The earthquake led to at least 2,600 people killed, an additional 2,500 injured in critical condition, and widespread structural damage, making it Morocco’s deadliest earthquake in decades.

In addition to Marrakech, many remote mountain villages that surround the area have experienced critical infrastructure failure; and several of them have not received emergency responders or aid as landslides have blocked key roadways. With vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of this disaster and available resources falling short of the escalating needs, it is imperative that the global community mobilizes rapid and extensive humanitarian aid. International assistance will play a crucial role in addressing both immediate needs and facilitating long-term response efforts.

As we look to build that response, we know that giving in this region must be done with great care and diligence. CAF America is committed to supporting the vital relief efforts underway to recover from this devastating disaster. We have reached out to all of our eligible charities in the region to confirm their work in response to the disaster.

As an organization committed to enabling cross-border charitable giving, CAF America stands ready to assist US donors wanting to support the ongoing relief efforts. Please reach out to us if there is anything we can do to assist you: info@cafamerica.org or 202-793-2232.

Organizations Responding to the Earthquake in Morocco

The organizations in the list below are working to provide relief and are currently vetted and eligible to receive grants from CAF America. You can support their work by clicking on the organization name or by contacting your fund manager to make a grant from your fund.

CAF America’s Relief Fund

Morocco Earthquake Relief Fund

Morocco Earthquake Relief Fund: We have set up this relief fund to fund work at organizations supporting humanitarian relief efforts in Morocco. Grants from this campaign will be made at CAF America’s discretion, to charities working on relief and response associated with the September 8, 2023 earthquake affecting people in Morocco.

Organizations in Morocco

High Atlas Foundation

High Atlas Foundation: HAF is currently distributing daily $60,000 of food and other essential materials in two trucks, benefitting 1,020 rural families in the provinces of Al Haouz, Ouarzazate, and Taroudant and soon Azilal and Chichaoua.

Organizations in the United States

Airlink

Airlink: Airlink is responding by supporting the mobilization, transport, and logistics needs of NGOs who have an invitation from either the Moroccan government or a local organization, such as a country office or long-term partner. An official call for international assistance is yet to be issued.

Direct Relief

Direct Relief: Direct Relief will support Bomberos Unidos Sin Fronteras (United Firefighters without Borders), an organization based in Spain that is conducting search and rescue efforts in Morocco at the request of the Moroccan government.

Flexport.org

Flexport.org: Because the only aid that matters is the aid that arrives, Flexport.org is currently organizing shipments of requested and needed humanitarian supplies with our experienced partners to help improve the lives of people impacted by the recent earthquake in Morocco.

Organizations around the World

Al-Khair Foundation

Al-Khair Foundation: Al-Khair Foundation has set up an emergency appeal page for food, medical, & hygiene supplies; shelter/tents, cooking kits, and other support.

CARE International

CARE International: CARE’s priority will be to provide meals, safe water supply, emergency shelter, and medical support to families that have been impacted by the earthquake. As the situation on the ground evolves, CARE will adapt their response strategy to ensure that we can provide timely, culturally appropriate, and gender-sensitive assistance to families in need. Earthquake-affected families have suffered not only a physical toll but also a mental one.

Comite de Ayuda a Desastres Naturales y Emergencias Nacionales A.C. (CADENA)

Comite de Ayuda a Desastres Naturales y Emergencias Nacionales A.C. (CADENA): CADENA International, with the support of Mexican volunteers, are coordinating an intervention to deliver solar lamps and water filters, in addition to carrying out an assessment of the damage to determine the next steps.

David McAntony Gibson Foundation (aka Globalmedic)

David McAntony Gibson Foundation (aka Globalmedic): Upon arrival in Morocco, GlobalMedic workers will rendezvous with local NGOs to deliver water purifiers to areas where people are sheltering and to food stations set up by other organizations. With boots on the ground, they’ll also get a better sense of people’s needs, and the home base will be able to scale up from there.

Foundation de France

Foundation de France: The Fondation de France is responding to help the affected population of Morocco. Drawing on its experience in the region and relying on its local partners, the Fondation de France quickly deploys essential actions to help victims (shelter, psychological support, etc.).

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: The Moroccan Red Crescent (MRCS) teams are currently on the ground, coordinating closely with the IFRC and local authorities to assess the situation, supporting in the search and rescue operation and providing help to affected people. They are providing first aid, psychosocial support and helping transport the injured to hospitals.

Islamic Relief Canada

Islamic Relief Canada: Islamic Relief teams from neighboring countries are en route and are rapidly working through local partners to conduct immediate needs assessments. In the coming hours, they will work to provide urgent food supplies, emergency shelter and basic essentials to the people affected by the earthquake. Islamic Relief’s thoughts and prayers are with the people of Morocco, as they face the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in years.

Medecins Sans Frontieres UK

Medecins Sans Frontieres UK: MSF is in contact with local authorities, assessing humanitarian needs and understanding the response that is needed in Morocco. Their expert medical and logistical staff are already on the ground while more exploratory teams are on their way. Medecins Sans Frontieres are prioritising remote and rural communities close to the epicenter in the High Atlas Mountains, south of Marakesh. Some areas are difficult to reach as the roads have been affected by the earthquake.

MERCY Malaysia

MERCY Malaysia: Morocco is in need of immediate assistance after a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Marrakech, toppling buildings and sparking a frantic search for survivors in the rubble in cities and towns across the region. Thousands of people are still vulnerable to collapsing buildings and scarce food, with many having no option but to sleep outdoors. Your funding means allowing MERCY Malaysia to continue to serve these vulnerable communities.

Muslim Aid Limited

Muslim Aid Limited: A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 has killed over 820 people and injured hundreds in Morocco. The victims of this devastating tragedy require our immediate help. MAA is mobilizing teams on the ground to respond to this crisis, and we are urgently calling for your support to help us provide emergency aid including food packs, medical supplies and other essential goods.