5 Ways to Help the People of Morocco as It Recovers From a Devastating Earthquake

A devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Morocco on Friday night, resulting in the deaths of more than 2,600 people and causing widespread destruction in the north African country. According to the latest updates from ABC News, the majority of injuries and deaths were in the Al-Haouz province south of Marrakesh. After surveying the damage, the Red Cross estimated it could take years for the region to recover. 

The country’s leader, King Mohammed VI, announced that a committee tasked with rebuilding destroyed homes will be created, and the country’s military forces have been called into action to provide food and other basic supplies, clean drinking water, tents, and blankets. 

Al Jazeera reports, the King has also asked for the creation of a bank account co-managed by the national treasury and its central bank. The new account is available to receive donations from both Moroccans and “the global community,” and those funds will be used to help and support those who have been affected by the earthquake. 

In addition to that bank account, those who wish to make financial donations to help the people of Morocco may contribute through several reputable charities, including Doctors Without Borders,  the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Here are five more charities to consider donating to right now to assist those in need. 

Islamic Relief Worldwide

Islamic Relief Worldwide has launched a £10 million ($12.5 million) “appeal to assist the people of Morocco,” its website explains. The organization, which delivers “lifesaving emergency aid” following devistating events like the earthquake in Morocco. The fund will be used to deliver financial aid to local humanitarian organizations, including getting food and emergency shelter to those most in need.

Banque Alimentaire du Maroc

Morocco’s nonprofit national food bank, the Banque Alimentaire du Maroc, is accepting donations so it can continue to provide assistance and food aid to those who have been affected.

GoFundMe

Popular fundraising platform GoFundMe has launched a list of verified GoFundMe campaigns that are supporting earthquake relief efforts. According to the company, its Trust and Safety teams have reviewed all of the fundraisers on its verified Morocco Earthquake Relief page, and have determined that any funds donated will be distributed to the proper recipients. 

GlobalGiving 

The U.S.-based nonprofit GlobalGiving has launched an Earthquake Relief Fund and is seeking to raise $5 million to provide food, clean water, and medicine, along with providing shelter and psycho-social and mental health support for survivors of the earthquake. 

World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen, the organization created by chef José Andrés, has already dispatched a relief team to Morocco and will continue to have workers on the ground there to distribute meals and clean water to anyone who needs it. “[We are] using helicopters and 4x4 vehicles to identify hard-hit communities spread across the region,” the organization wrote on its website. “We are providing sandwiches, fruit, and water to offer immediate support, and our team in Spain is on its way with multiple food trucks and kitchen equipment to begin cooking fresh meals as soon as possible. This is a quickly evolving situation, and we continue to traverse the impacted region to find pockets of need.” World Central Kitchen is also accepting donations through its website.