Current:Home > MyHow to help those affected by the Morocco earthquake-InfoLens
How to help those affected by the Morocco earthquake
View Date:2024-12-23 14:31:27
NEW YORK (AP) — International aid groups have mobilized in Morocco where a 6.8 magnitude earthquake Friday night has killed 2,681 and injured more than 2,500. Donors, both big and small, are also mobilizing to support those relief efforts.
Experts say the most direct way to provide aid to those affected in the city of Marrakech and the rural areas in the Atlas Mountains is to donate to organizations that have operations already on the ground in Morocco. That takes on additional importance because so far the Moroccan government has accepted governmental aid from only four nations — Spain, Qatar, Britain and the United Arab Emirates — as it tries to avoid a “counterproductive” lack of coordination.
“We are just seeing the scale and severity of disasters from natural hazards increasing and that is putting a drain on resources — both financial and human resources — and also, I’ll be honest, empathy,” said Patricia McIlreavy, CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. “When you talk about what you can do, my No. 1 thing is: Remember. Keep them in your thoughts and look for ways to help them.”
Recovery from the earthquake could take years, McIlreavy said and encouraged people to consider longer-term, unrestricted giving rather than rushing to give immediately when conditions are still rapidly changing.
Here are some groups who have responded and are looking for additional support:
— The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) quickly released $1.1 million from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund to support Moroccan Red Crescent relief efforts in the country. “We expect this initial release of money to make a difference on the ground,” said Dr. Hossam Elsharkawi, IFRC’s regional director of Middle East and North Africa, said in a statement. “It will be used to buy essential supplies locally in Morocco. The people in the Moroccan Red Crescent know their communities best, and know best what is needed.”
— World Central Kitchen is teaming with Moroccan volunteers to provide food and water in the remote areas hardest hit by the earthquake. However, World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres said the group’s helicopters are doing double duty, dropping off supplies in those areas and evacuating injured people on their return trips.
— Doctors Without Borders has sent 10 staff members to Morocco to assess what the local hospital needs are and how the organization can support the Moroccan government with supplies or logistics.
— CARE, which has been working in Morocco since 2008 to help people get access to basic services, has launched the Morocco Earthquake Emergency Fund, which it says will prioritize providing women and girls, youth, and disadvantaged groups food and shelter.
— GlobalGiving’s Morocco Earthquake Relief Fund had raised nearly $500,000 by Monday afternoon to provide food, water and shelter to those who have lost their homes in the earthquake, as well as supporting long-term recovery efforts.
_____
Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Medical King recalls 222,000 adult bed assistance rails after one reported death
- Man, dog now missing after traveling on wooden homemade raft in Grand Canyon National Park
- Robert Irwin, son of 'Crocodile Hunter', reveals snail species in Australia named for him
- 5th person charged in killing of 2 Kansas moms, officials say
- Kelly Rowland and Nelly Reunite for Iconic Performance of Dilemma 2 Decades Later
- Authorities investigating Gilgo Beach killings search wooded area on Long Island, AP source says
- See how a former animal testing laboratory is transformed into an animal sanctuary
- Hiker falls 300 feet to his death in Curry County, Oregon; investigation underway
- Forget the bathroom. When renovating a home, a good roof is a no-brainer, experts say.
- NCAA can't cave to anti-transgender hysteria and fear like NAIA did
Ranking
- Bo the police K-9, who located child taken at knifepoint, wins Hero Dog Awards 2024
- Georgia hires one of Simone Biles' coaches to lead women's gymnastics team
- Chris Pine Reveals His Favorite Meme of Himself
- William Decker's Business Core: The Wealth Forge
- Taylor Swift touches down in Kansas City as Chiefs take on Denver Broncos
- Here's the truth about hoarding disorder – and how to help someone
- Kentucky appeals court denies Bob Baffert-trained Arkansas Derby winner Muth to enter Kentucky Derby
- Professor William Decker’s Bio
Recommendation
-
Kentucky governor says investigators will determine what caused deadly Louisville factory explosion
-
See how a former animal testing laboratory is transformed into an animal sanctuary
-
Selling weight-loss and muscle-building supplements to minors in New York is now illegal
-
Jelly Roll teases new song, sings 'Save Me' at pre-NFL draft concert
-
Blake Shelton Announces New Singing Competition Show After Leaving The Voice
-
Aid workers killed in Israeli strike honored at National Cathedral; Andrés demands answers
-
The Best Waterproof Jewelry for Exercising, Showering, Swimming & More
-
Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry named 2023-24 NBA Clutch Player of the Year