In the wake of the earthquake that struck Morocco on Friday, individuals and associations came together to provide much-needed support and aid to those affected by the earthquake, particularly in the outskirts of Marrakesh.
Despite living in cities located far from those affected regions and regardless of the current inflation and back-to-school expenses, people from all over Morocco, as well as the diaspora, have rallied together and gathered resources to support fellow Moroccans in need.
As of Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., the death toll stood at 2,901, in addition to 5,530 injured, according to an update by the Interior Ministry.
This is not the first time Moroccan people have shown solidarity and collaboration. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people demonstrated the same indomitable human spirit. Moroccans, in these dire moments, gave a glimmer of hope to the people who lost everything.
Morocco’s monarch Mohammed VI had ordered the opening of a special bank account with the Treasury and Bank Al Maghrib to collect funds from volunteers as well as from private and public entities. He also directed the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity to be ready to assist those in need.
Moroccans, driven by an innate desire to alleviate suffering, are starting to emerge as the heroes in the aftermath of the earthquake. For example, the El Baraka Angels Association based in Rabat launched the call for help early in the recovery process.
Mariem Mouline, a member of the association, told Barlaman Today that people rushed to provide assistance, some even left their jobs and came to the assembly point. She said that in addition to monetary donations, people brought all types of supplies including non-perishable food items, bottled water, canned goods, dry food items, clothing for adults and children, blankets, sleeping bags, and bedding.
Donations of medical equipment, first aid kits, bandages, antibiotics, pain relievers, and other essential medical supplies were also among the donations, in addition to tents, tarps, sleeping mats, and camping equipment for constructing temporary shelters, she added. People also donated hygiene and sanitary items such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary pads, and diapers.
For his part, Moroccan influencer Oussama Ramzi told us that people opened their homes and garages to associations and individuals who needed to store donations, adding that more than three aid trucks left for the affected regions on Sunday, and today, Monday, two or three additional aid trucks have also just left.
In the same vein, Salma Merzouk, another member of “El Baraka Angels”, said that the entire association has been working day and night since the natural disaster occurred. She added that the association will continue receiving donations and assistance because people will continue to suffer from the aftermath of the earthquake.
Additionally, many videos have gone viral showing Moroccans navigating through the debris, risking their own safety to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble. Their actions speak volumes, as they refuse to let fear overshadow their humanity, proving that compassion can triumph even in the face of adversity.
“We feel so sad about what happened in Morocco following the earthquake, we came here to help our brothers and sisters with the necessary and available means. We share their sorrow, and we will stand with them until the crisis passes,” said a Moroccan from the diaspora residing in Italy.
She added that people prefer to deliver the donations and help the affected people in person. Authorities warn, however, that this may create road traffic that can actually delay the arrival of the intended aid. They encourage people wishing to donate to be in touch with authorities and communities on the ground to see what is needed and how best to coordinate delivery.
A private company operating in the goods transportation sector in Casablanca also announced Monday that it will provide its logistics services free of charge for companies and associations planning to send aid to the affected people in the Al Haouz region.
The Royal Moroccan Karate and Associated Disciplines provided a fund amounting to 500,000 MAD to the victims of the earthquake, and the National Police (DGSN) and Territory Surveillance (DGST) also jointly contributed 50 million MAD to the special earthquake relief fund.