Following the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Morocco last weekend, the country is in mourning for more than 2,100 people and coping with thousands of injured and homeless. The World Health Organisation estimates more than 300,000 people are affected.
On the ground, rescue efforts continue, with remote villages near the quake’s epicentre in the High Atlas mountains thought to be among the worst struck.
Morocco is a beloved destination among the travel community and many want to know the best way to behave and how to help at this time. Travel + Leisure has put together a list of organisations that those wishing to help can donate to.
CARE
Women and girls are at the heart of CARE’s work, and the group has a 10-year track record in Morocco. Emergency water supplies, food, shelter, and medical support to survivors will be their offer.
Doctors Without Borders
Known to many as Médecins Sans Frontières, this organisation acts fast to give international medical assistance. Despite not having a pre-established team in Morocco, staff are already on the ground now, triaging and treating survivors.
Donate to Doctors Without Borders
GlobalGiving
Global Giving has set up a Morocco Earthquake Relief Fund, which can pay for everything from “food, water, and medicine to shelter and temporary housing for survivors,” says Travel + Leisure.
Project HOPE
With a focus on empowering healthcare workers around the world, HOPE has already mobilised among local search and rescue operations bringing extra staff, a surgical rescue unit and ambulances.
The Intrepid Foundation
Tour operator, Intrepid Travel, always partners with vetted local organizations. In this case, the High Atlas Foundation and Education For All are working with the foundation to provide food, water, shelter, medical assistance, and more to victims.
Donate to The Intrepid Foundation
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
This group needs no introduction. Having released 1 million Swiss francs (about $1.12 million) from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund, the Red Cross and Red Crescent is not just there on the ground assisting with search and rescue efforts, but also brings expertise in first aid, psychosocial support, and practical help like essential supplies and transportation to hospital for the injured.
Donate to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
UNICEF
This group is a United Nations relief effort focused on children and families around the world. The meeting of people’s most urgent needs, such as shelter, safe drinking water and food, health and medical help, as well as psychosocial support, top their agenda.
World Central Kitchen
As well as Cristiano Ronaldo, another celebrity trying to help in Morocco is Spanish-American celebrity chef José Andrés. His initiative World Central Kitchen is providing devastated areas with food, fruit, and water and the equipment needed to make fresh meals via helicopter and 4×4.
Donate to World Central Kitchen
