CARE Germany: Urgent earthquake aid for Morocco

On September 9, 2023, Morocco was shaken by a devastating earthquake. With a magnitude of 6.8, it particularly hit the region around Marrakesh and Agadir. Many towns and villages, particularly in the mountainous regions that are difficult to access, were massively destroyed. The number of injured and fatalities is rising steadily and the local people urgently need support. CARE Germany is on the spot in these times of need and is providing humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the people affected.

The current situation in Morocco

The earthquake struck on Friday night and devastated large parts of Morocco. Numerous buildings were destroyed and many people have lost everything. The situation is particularly dramatic in remote areas. Rescue workers are having difficulties reaching the worst-affected regions as the infrastructure has been severely damaged by the quakes.

In addition to the acute destruction, the earthquake poses immense challenges for people: Without a roof over their heads, without clean drinking water and often without access to essential food or medical care, they are dependent on rapid assistance.

CARE Morocco: Help on the ground

CARE has been active in Morocco for over 15 years and has valuable experience in the country. Immediately after the disaster, CARE mobilized its teams to provide aid in the earthquake-affected areas. The people on the ground receive, among other things:

• Hot meals and drinking water: Many of those affected have lost their homes and are dependent on emergency aid. CARE is providing them with food and clean drinking water to ensure basic supplies.

• Emergency accommodation: CARE is providing emergency shelters to protect people from the elements. These shelters are particularly essential in the mountainous regions, where the nights quickly become chilly.

• Hygiene articles and medical aid: The distribution of hygiene products such as soap and disinfectants is also crucial to prevent the spread of disease.

Focus on particularly vulnerable groups

Women and girls as well as people with disabilities are often particularly vulnerable in disaster situations. CARE therefore places a special focus on these groups and ensures that they receive the help they need. Children who have been traumatized by the earthquake are also in urgent need of support. For this reason, in addition to physical aid, CARE also prepares Psychosocial support to help people cope with their traumatic experiences.

Urgent need for essential goods

The situation remains tense and the demand for essential goods is high. The urgently needed relief supplies include:

• Clean drinking water: After natural disasters, access to clean water is often difficult. CARE ensures that those affected are not dependent on unsafe water sources.

• Food: Many people have lost their food reserves. CARE regularly distributes hot meals and provides basic supplies.

• Hygiene articles: Hygiene products such as soap, disinfectant and feminine hygiene products are essential to prevent the spread of disease in the temporary emergency shelters.

Psychosocial support for those affected

The impact of the earthquake on the mental health of those affected is enormous. Many people have lost relatives or are suffering from the shock of the sudden destruction of their living environment. CARE is currently preparing programs for Psychosocial support to help those affected process their experiences. Specialized experts will work on site to support traumatized children and families in particular.

How you can help

CARE Morocco's emergency aid is dependent on donations in order to provide the urgently needed goods and care for the people affected. Every contribution helps to alleviate the suffering of the people and support them during this difficult time.

Here are some ways you can support CARE:

• Financial donations: Every donation helps to ensure the supply of drinking water, food and emergency shelters. Donate directly on the CARE website.

• Support from companies: Companies can also make an important contribution through larger donations or fundraising campaigns.

CARE Germany guarantees that the relief supplies reach the people on the ground quickly and directly.

Frequently asked questions

1. how can I donate to the earthquake victims in Morocco?
Donations can be made directly via the CARE website. You can choose between one-off donations or regular support options.

2. which relief supplies are most urgently needed locally?
The most important relief supplies include clean drinking water, food, hygiene articles and emergency shelters.

3. how does CARE help women and children in particular?
CARE places a special focus on supporting women, children and people with disabilities, as these groups are particularly vulnerable in times of crisis.

4. how long is the aid in Morocco expected to last?
Immediate emergency aid will continue until the basic needs of those affected have been met. However, CARE plans to remain on site in the long term to promote reconstruction and psychological support.

5 What is psychosocial support and why is it important?
Psychosocial support helps people who have been psychologically affected by traumatic events such as the earthquake. It helps to process trauma and helps those affected to cope with their experiences in the long term.