Earthquake Strikes Morocco

In the late hours of Friday, September 8, panic erupted as people fled their homes after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco. Less than 20 minutes later, a 4.9 magnitude aftershock occurred. Located roughly 75 km southeast of Marrakech, people living in the High Atlas Mountain range of Morocco are experiencing extreme devastation, loss and grief.

In the moments following the earthquake Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers began search and rescue operations by flashlight to rescue those who were trapped.  Around 2,000 people have lost their lives because of the earthquake, and the full extent of needs is not yet known.

The Red Cross Red Crescent is working to deliver emergency relief to help to those impacted by the earthquakes as quickly as possible.

Thousands of Red Cross Red Crescent personnel are providing vital on-the-ground support including search and rescue, first aid, transporting injured people to the hospital and caring for survivors.

As some of the worst affected areas are in remote and mountainous terrain, the areas are hard to reach. The Canadian Red Cross remains in close contact with our Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners and stand ready to respond.

The Red Cross Red Crescent is working to get help to those impacted by the earthquake in Morocco as quickly as possible. Money raised will enable the Red Cross Red Crescent to provide immediate relief, recovery efforts, and resilience and preparedness activities for future events in impacted and surrounding areas.

People in Canada wishing to help are encouraged to donate to the Canadian Red Cross Morocco Earthquake Appeal. Donations can be made online at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.