More than 2,122 people have lost their lives after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake vibrated Morocco on Friday night, making it the immense quake to affect the nation in 120 years.
Some 380,000 people reside within 50 km (or about 31 miles) of the earthquake’s center in the High Atlas mountains, which is less than 50 miles southwest of the populated city of Marrakech. Search and rescue measures are continuing throughout the nation, and Interior Ministry officials said the death toll is predicted to increase.
At least two aftershocks worsened the catastrophe, with the latest being a 3.9 aftershock on Sunday.
Some citizens are still awaiting assistance, partly because roads have been stopped from arriving in more remote regions of the nation due to debris.
A Foreign Ministry spokesman said Sunday that Spain has sent forward international assistance, but other support from nations like France and Tunisia is hindered because the Moroccan government has not yet asked for it.
Joe Biden, the President of the United States, said that the US is keen to deliver aid to Morocco when necessary, and is working with officials to assure American nationals in the nation are secure.
If you aren’t able to travel to Morocco but are willing to help and support Moroccans here are some organizations through which you can support Moroccans.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
The IFRC sent staff on the ground soon after the quake to support and deliver first aid, aid with search and rescue, and assist local authorities in estimating the requirement for aid. They are supporting the Moroccan Red Crescent and are willing to deploy emergency response units if required.
Donations are being accepted here.
Islamic Relief USA
Islamic Relief USA is a nonprofit organization serving local organizations to aid with food, shelter, and healthcare.
Find out more about organization work, here.
Global Giving
Global Giving has established a fund to help with relief and rescue steps and aid with the most immediate necessities of survivors. They are using donations to deliver shelter and temporary housing, mental health support, and long-term rescue in the nation.
Global Giving is accepting your donations here.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
UNICEF is providing emergency aid for families that were affected by the quake and is in contact with authorities.
You can make your donation here.
Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE)
CARE has a base in Morocco near the center of the quake and focuses on operating with women, girls, and other needy groups to deliver help.
You can make your donation here.
Doctors Without Borders
In cooperation with local authorities, Doctors Without Borders is preparing to send emergency medical and humanitarian groups to Morocco to deliver aid, despite not having “an established presence” in the nation.
You can make your donation here.
