PCK is launching #HelpMorocco

On September 8 at 11 PM, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7 on the Richter scale struck the area around Marrakech, Morocco. The earthquake was felt even up to 300 km from the epicenter. Residential buildings have been destroyed and collapsed. More than 2100 people have lost their lives under the rubble. Rescue operations are currently underway.

The Moroccan Red Crescent has been working on-site from the very beginning. Rescuers are providing first aid to those dug out from the rubble. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, along with its DREF crisis response center, is on standby to send necessary materials.

"The Polish Red Cross is prepared to send material aid and qualified rescuers to Morocco," comments Michał Mikołajczyk, Member of the Management Board of the Polish Red Cross.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has informed that repairing the damage and responding to the needs of the residents of Morocco may take a very long time.

"We expect many months, if not years, of response," stated Hossam Elsharkawi, regional director of IFRC for the Middle East and North Africa, in a statement quoted by AFP.

IFRC has transferred 1 million CHF to the Moroccan Red Crescent for immediate assistance to earthquake victims.

"At this moment, what is most needed is to organize temporary shelters, emergency access to water and sanitation, as well as to distribute food parcels. In the later phase, assistance will be needed in rebuilding homes. We may also observe increased migration within Morocco, as was the case in Turkey," adds Mikołajczyk.