Helping Morocco and Libya: Reliable Resources for Earthquake and Flood Relief
September 14, 2023
In the face of natural disasters, the world often witnesses an outpouring of compassion and solidarity. From the moment tragedy strikes, individuals, organizations, and philanthropists rally together to offer their support and aid to affected communities. Lauren Renda, a seasoned philanthropic advisor for the Community Foundation, is dedicated to connecting people with reliable ways to support disaster-affected areas worldwide. Her commitment to this cause has made her a trusted source for those wanting to help during crises. Today, we're sharing Lauren's latest compilation of resources to aid Morocco after their earthquake and Libya following devastating floods.
*Please note that some of these organizations are currently eligible for donation matching.
Support for Morocco's Earthquake Survivors
On Friday, September 8th, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco, killing and injuring thousands of people and devastating rural towns near the southwestern city of Marrakesh, making it one of the deadliest quakes in the country in decades, according to the Moroccan authorities. More than 2,000 people are confirmed dead, another 2,000 are reported injured, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reported that 300,000 civilians are affected in some way.
As the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) notes in their Rural Populations Issue Insight, "rural communities' decentralized nature means fewer people are available to support response and recovery and are often a lower priority for infrastructure repair and restoration." In this case, the communities affected are not only rural, but they live in difficult-to-access mountainous regions, making rescue, recovery, and relief efforts all more difficult.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy's Global Recovery Fund
Donors can support efforts to meet the ongoing and ever-expanding challenges that Morocco's earthquake survivors will encounter through the Center for Disaster Philanthropy's Global Recovery Fund. Every new gift in September will be matched dollar for dollar, thanks to a generous donor, via the Match4Recovery program.
CARE - Morocco Earthquake Emergency Fund
CARE International Maroc, which has been operating in the country since 2008, is on the ground assessing needs and supporting Moroccan authorities in coordinating emergency relief efforts. Their immediate priority is to reach survivors as quickly as possible by providing essential aid such as water, food, shelter, and medical support.
Community Foundation of Silicon Valley has put together a list of recommended organizations that are helping those affected by the earthquake and subsequent crisis, including Doctors Without Borders, the High Atlas Foundation, and Global Giving.
Support for Libya's Flood Victims
According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, "Mediterranean Storm Daniel passed through eastern Libya over the weekend of Sept. 9, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding that resulted in large-scale destruction. Daniel dropped so much rain on Libya's northeast that two dams collapsed, sending water into already inundated areas."
International Rescue Committee has reported that over 5,000 people have died and another 10,000 are feared to be missing. Entire villages have been swept away, displacing more than 34,000 people. Tragically, 800,000 people were in humanitarian need before the floods hit. Donations to IRC will provide critical emergency services to families in Libya.
CDP's Global Recovery Fund provides support for flood-affected communities. Grants will focus on supporting marginalized communities in the recovery phase. Every new gift in September will be matched dollar for dollar, thanks to a generous donor, via the Match4Recovery program.
UNICEF Libya is responding to the needs of people caught in harm's way, rushing in emergency aid, including 1,100 hygiene kits and vital medical supplies for 10,000 people and essential clothing kits for 500 children.
CARE Libya Flood Emergency Fund supports CARE’s Flood Response in Libya. Response efforts prioritize women and girls, the elderly, families with young children, and those unable to access other emergency services.