Photo: Instagram.com/hassanhajjaj_larache
A powerful and devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco on Friday night, the strongest to hit the country in over a century. The death toll has risen to over 2,100, with more than 2,400 injured, while the World Health Organization estimates that over 300,000 people have been affected by the disaster. King Mohammed VI and the government have declared three days of national mourning.
Heartbreaking photos and videos from the scene showing ancient structures collapsing and people running into the streets in fear have been widely shared on the internet, as Arab celebrities took to social media to express their compassion and solidarity for those affected by the deadly earthquake in Morocco.
Imaan Hammam
View this post on Instagram
Egyptian-Moroccan-Dutch model Imaan Hammam expressed her grief and heartbreak over the tragedy, “My heart aches for my beloved Morocco. It’s devastating to witness the pain and suffering caused by last night’s earthquake.” She posted on Instagram.
Samira Said
View this post on Instagram
Moroccan singer Samira Said shared an illustration of first responders assisting the wounded. She wrote in her caption, “The visuals are heartbreaking, the scenes are terrifying… My heartfelt condolences go out to the disaster’s victims. May all the injured find healing, O Lord.”
Hassan Hajjaj
View this post on Instagram
Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj also expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, “I’m so sad for Morocco and the people that have died in this terrible earthquake, Allah yrahmoum (May God have mercy upon her / his soul),”
Mona Zaki and Assala
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Other stars in the Arab world took to their social media to offer their prayers and express their solidarity with the people in Morocco including Egyptian actress Mona Zaki and Syrian pop star Assala.
Here are various ways you can support survivors in the aftermath of the Morocco earthquake tragedy:
1. Moroccan Red Crescent (MRCS) teams were on the ground immediately, coordinating closely with the IFRC and local authorities to assess the situation, support in the search and rescue operation and provide help to affected people. They are providing first aid, psychosocial support and helping transport the injured to hospitals. You can make a donation here.
2. The Emirates Red Crescent began implementing a relief program by providing sizeable quantities of essential supplies, including tents, blankets, food, medical stuff and hygiene kits. The ERC’s Emergency Room is working to assess the humanitarian conditions in the affected areas, considering the urgent needs of the people, affected by the disaster. You can support their effort here.
3. Doctors Without Borders is among the numerous organizations swiftly responding to the disaster by deploying teams to Morocco. Their mission is to assess the local needs and offer assistance to the injured. If you wish to contribute, you can make a donation here.
4. UNICEF is currently evaluating the situation and humanitarian requirements in Morocco, with a special focus on children and families who may have been displaced by the earthquake. Their efforts encompass providing shelter, safe water, medical care, protection, and psychosocial support. You can contribute by donating here.
5. CARE’s dedicated teams on the ground are actively engaged in delivering critical emergency services, including water, food, and medical support. Your assistance can make a meaningful impact, and you can support their efforts here.
6. Project HOPE is working in coordination with SAMU, a Spanish medical emergency organization, to mobilize emergency response teams on the ground. Their primary objective is to assess and address the most urgent needs of survivors, particularly in search and rescue operations, as well as providing medicines, care, and medical equipment. You can support here.
