As the impact of Morocco’s deadliest earthquake in over 60 years continues to surface, charities across the world have rushed to help. British Muslim charities, in particular, have taken a head on response.
A total of 2,681 people have died so far. The total is expected to rise, with rescuers using their bare hands to find survivors since last Friday.
Morocco’s government is under pressure to accept more international aid, as rescuers battle with exhaustion.
“As powerful tremors continue, we need your help to support our brothers and sisters,” Muslim Hands said in an appeal.
Islamic Relief issued a statement of solidarity with the people of Morocco.
“Islamic Relief does not have a presence in Morocco but we are closely monitoring the unfolding situation and are conducting rapid needs assessments, as local teams from neighbouring countries are en route,” it wrote in a statement.
The Penny Appeal and Muslim Aid both issued appeals for help.
“Penny Appeal are working with our partners on the ground to deliver essential aid to communities affected by this tragic quake. Our teams are working hard to reach those most in need and help save as many lives as possible as we anticipate the colossal damage this tragic event will have,” said the Penny Appeal, a British Muslim charity.
Organisations outside the British Muslim charitable circle have also responded to the crisis.
CAF America has set up the Morocco Earthquake Relief Fund to support organisations driving humanitarian relief efforts, while the the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for 100 million Swiss Francs to scale up relief efforts of the Moroccan Red Crescent.
In Libya, torrential storm Daniel produced nearly 16 inches of rainfall caused two dams near the city of Derna to fail. The country has two governments in charge, supported by different countries and interests, which may slow rescue and recovery efforts.
“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.
It could take years to recover from both disasters, McIlreavy told the Associated Press. She encouraged people to consider longer-term, unrestricted giving rather than rushing to give immediately, with on-the-ground conditions constantly changing.
Shafi Musaddique is news editor at Alliance magazine.
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