Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that shook the Al Haouz region in September, Morocco World News (MWN) took swift action to aid the victims, launching a GoFundMe campaign immediately after the disaster.
MWN successfully raised around $28,300 (over MAD 287,500), with a net amount of $27,333.01 (over MAD 277,600) transferred to the government’s dedicated bank account, which Bank Al-Maghrib, Morocco’s central bank, launched following directives from King Mohammed VI.
Upon deducting the GoFundMe commission ($980.99) and transfer costs ($50), MWN’s contribution of over $27k is now a crucial part of the larger initiative to support the victims and reconstruct the affected areas through the special relief fund.
In the immediate aftermath of the tragic earthquake, MWN was committed to going beyond the role of a news outlet, actively participating in efforts to aid affected communities and families during these difficult times.
The response from people around the world was overwhelming, with MWN’s GoFundMe receiving hundreds of generous donations aiming to contribute to the recovery and rebuilding process.
This financial support adds to the impressive response from public and private institutions, reaching a total fund of MAD 12 billion, or $1.15 billion, as of October 9, as announced by the governor of Morocco’s Central Bank Abdellatif Jouahri during the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Marrakech.
Not satisfied with solely raising funds, MWN took immediate action by dispatching a team of journalists to the affected areas a day following the earthquake. These journalists reported directly from the ground and provided firsthand accounts of the aftermath of the earthquake.
Read also: Earthquake in Morocco: An Intimate Tragedy Meets Timeless Resiliency
The coverage included a detailed exploration of the earthquake’s impact on the Marrakech medina and the surrounding villages in the region. In addition, MWN’s team interviewed survivors and captured the heartbreaking stories of those who lost their homes and family members.
The team documented the remarkable relief efforts undertaken by volunteers coming together to provide aid and support.
The decision to actively engage in relief efforts reflects MWN’s deep commitment to not only informing the public but to also contribute to the well-being of the communities it serves.
The earthquake, the most severe and deadly in Morocco in 120 years, left a profound impact on various provinces in central Morocco, claiming the lives of around 3,000 people.
Among the severely affected regions were Al Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Youssoufia, Tinghir, Azilal, and Agadir. Thousands more sustained injuries, with the disaster leaving a trail of destruction, particularly affecting small, isolated villages scattered across Morocco’s mountainous region.
In response to the tragedy, Morocco demonstrated remarkable resilience and unity. Individuals and communities, not only in the affected regions but throughout the entire country, came together to provide essential supplies. Water, milk, crucial food items, clothes, and blankets were distributed to survivors, offering solace to those who had lost so much.
The driving force behind these efforts was the tireless work of hundreds of volunteers who organized and delivered these supplies.
In addition, Moroccans responded by launching a widespread campaign urging citizens to donate blood to aid those injured in the earthquake. Hospitals and medical facilities across the country saw a surge in volunteers offering this critical resource.
Read also: IMF in Marrakech: The Ochre City, the Right City at the Right Time
But Moroccans’ demonstration of their profound and unconditional solidarity with the victims and affected communities went beyond material support.
Across the country and around the world, Moroccans extended their assistance in various ways. Some offered shelter to those affected by the disaster, while others provided translation and interpretation services to aid international relief efforts.
Recognizing the emotional toll of such a disaster, some volunteers stepped forward to provide psychological support. Whether through a compassionate ear or guiding individuals towards appropriate resources, these volunteers played a crucial role in helping people navigate the emotional challenges they faced in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Among the Moroccan citizens who displayed great solidarity in the wake of the disaster is Mohamed Akil from Tiznit. A widely circulated video captured the elderly man transporting a donation of half a pack of flour on the back of his bicycle, garnering the admiration of the international community.
He was awarded the exceptional prize for solidarity at the CAF Awards 2023 on Monday in recognition of his contribution to relief efforts. Akil received the award from the President of Morocco’s Royal Football Federation (FMRF) Fouzi Lekjaa at the CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech.
On the global front, several countries offered assistance in rescue efforts. Morocco accepted aid from the UK, Qatar, and Spain, whose rescue teams collaborated with Moroccan counterparts to save those trapped under the ruins.
