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A convoy of 79 trucks carrying humanitarian aid has left Laayoune for the earthquake-affected areas. Blood donations have also increased in recent days

Wave of solidarity in Morocco after the earthquake

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AFP/FADEL SENNA - Una mujer ante los escombros de los edificios destruidos tras el mortal terremoto de magnitud 6,8 del 8 de septiembre, en la aldea de Imi NTala, cerca de Amizmiz, en el centro de Marruecos, el 10 de septiembre de 2023
AFP/FADEL SENNA - A woman stands in front of the rubble of destroyed buildings after the deadly 6.8 magnitude earthquake.
Margarita Arredondas
Updated: 14/09/23

Following the devastating earthquake which has left more than 3,000 dead and more than 5,000 injured, Morocco has experienced a wave of solidarity with the most affected areas, in particular the rural areas of Al-Haouz, Taroudant and Chichaoua. A convoy of 79 trucks full of humanitarian aid was sent from Laayoune in the south of the country. In this way, the residents of the area, as well as NGOs and local authorities, wanted to show their support and backing for the victims of the earthquake.  

In addition to providing humanitarian aid, such as food, medicine and clothing, people also flocked to hospitals and health centres to donate blood shortly after the tragedy. Donations increased sharply, especially in Marrakech, near the epicentre of the earthquake. In the famous Moroccan city there have been long queues of people waiting to donate their blood to help the injured. Tourists currently in the country have also come to donate blood.  

Even the King of Morocco, Mohamed VI, donated his blood to help the victims of the earthquake during his visit to the affected areas. The monarch, like the health authorities, has appealed for people to join in the donations. The Moroccan national football team, semi-finalists in the last World Cup, have also joined this wave of solidarity and donated their blood at a medical centre in Agadir.

The solidarity of Moroccans even goes beyond borders. Citizens living abroad are also looking for health centres that can transport blood to the Kingdom to reach the wounded.

These actions are a response to the serious humanitarian situation and the high number of wounded. "The demand is increasingly urgent," Samira Fezzani, director of the regional blood transfusion centre in Marrakech, told Moroccan media outlet Le Matin. The Marrakech centre works in coordination with other regional blood transfusion centres as well as the national centre.

The whole country has turned its attention to the victims. Blood donation centres in all cities have reported an exceptional influx. Citizens from all parts of the Kingdom have also bought water and food to send to the affected areas.  

On the other hand, the authorities have created a special fund after the earthquake where citizens, companies or institutions can donate money for the victims. In this sense, the Moroccan diplomatic corps abroad has decided to contribute part of its salary to this fund, according to Medias24. Also, all members of the House of Representatives have announced that they will contribute one month's salary to this special fund for the victims and injured.

Other organisations and companies that have contributed to this initiative are the General Directorate of National Security, the Customs and Indirect Taxes Administration, the General Confederation of Moroccan Companies, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, the National Council of the College of Notaries, the High Authority of Audiovisual Communication, the Derhem Holding group, as well as the municipalities of Casablanca and Rabat.

While the whole country is mobilising and supporting the victims, rescue teams continue to search for survivors and work in the affected areas. In this regard, the role of the Royal Armed Forces, in collaboration with the Royal Gendarmerie, National Security and Civil Protection, have managed to reach isolated communities and provide critical assistance. 

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Morocco Politics Morocco
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