As the death toll from the Moroccan earthquake reaches over 2000, intense rescue efforts led by the Moroccan Army search and rescue teams continue in what will be a critical next couple of days. CARE in Morocco is adapting its programming as the psychological impact of the quake takes its toll.
In what has been described as the most powerful earthquake in the area surrounding Marrakech in more than 120 years, the next two days are considered critical for Moroccan search and rescue teams frantically searching for people who remain trapped under the rubble. Over 2000 lives have been lost, with over 1200 more in a critical condition.
Hlima Razkaoui, National Director of CARE Maroc, says:
“It was a terrifying night for all of us in Morocco. As we enter a three-day national mourning period, hundreds of people are sleeping in the streets at night, lying in blankets in parks in the heart of Marrakesh, too afraid to go home. People are exhausted, aside from the physical devastation of this monstrous quake, the emotional fear and horror of what people have experienced is indescribable.”
CARE already has a presence in the earthquake-affected areas of Morocco, and we are coordinating closely with the Moroccan authorities to respond to urgent and growing needs.
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 our 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.
Hlima Razkaoui continues:
“We know from previous earthquake responses that while the immediate needs are critical, the reality is that recovery from such disasters can take months, if not years.”
Notes to editors
CARE has been working in Morocco since 2008, established under Moroccan law as an explicitly apolitical, independent and non-denominational organisation. In Morocco, CARE’s mission is to support individuals and families from deprived communities, promoting equal access to economic opportunities. Our programming focuses on three main areas: education, economic empowerment and governance. CARE works extensively in Al Haouz, one of the cities that was most impacted by Friday’s earthquake.
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