MARRAKESH, MOROCCO — An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 shook Marrakesh, Morocco on Friday (8/9/2023) night local time. The epicentre was Kompas.com in the High Atlas Mountains, 71 km southwest of Marrakech (a city with world heritage status popular with tourists). In addition, earthquake tremors were also felt in the capital Rabat, about 350 km away, as well as Casablanca, Agadir, and Essaouira.
The heartbreaking disaster recorded thousands of victims. According to data received by the Dompet Dhuafa Team at the Disaster Management Center (DMC), as of Saturday (9/9/2023) night, there were 2,012 residents killed and 2,059 injured. The record led the Moroccan government to declare three days of national mourning.
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Getting the news, Dompet Dhuafa volunteers through DMC Dompet Dhuafa immediately made strategic steps to roll out a quick response. Assessment is the first step for Dompet Dhuafa by deploying local volunteers and activating local humanitarian agencies’ network.
“This is news that inscribes deep sorrow for all of us. A huge earthquake shook our brothers in Morocco and claimed thousands of lives. We from the big family of Dompet Dhuafa express our deep condolences to our brothers in Morocco. Of course, our humanitarian team at DMC Dompet Dhuafa will immediately make strategic steps to present assistance to earthquake survivors in Morocco,” said Prima Hadi Putra as Director of Communication and Technology of Dompet Dhuafa in Jakarta, Sunday (10/9/2023).
Coordination with local volunteers is the main step. Shofa El Quds, GM of Disaster Risk Reduction DMC Dompet Dhuafa, has been connected to a network of local humanitarian agencies that have moved to the scene. So that data will quickly be received on the ground related to urgent needs in Marrakesh, Morocco.
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“Since last night, we have constantly communicated with local volunteers there. Alhamdulillah has connected with the local team that used to be together also in the Turkish Earthquake response action. At least we have obtained preliminary data and are waiting for the results of further assessments to determine a quick response from Dompet Dhuafa. We have begun to prepare logistics and volunteers here while establishing communication with both local and government volunteers so that assistance from Indonesia can roll out optimally, “explained Shofa Qudus in a short message.
Given that the epicentre is in the mountains, of course, access that is not easy is a challenge for volunteers. Let’s send our best prayers and help to our brothers and sisters, survivors of the Moroccan Earthquake. Channel your help through the following link. (Dompet Dhuafa/Taufan YN)