Canadian Red Cross

Published purpose

September 2023 – A magnitude 6.8 earthquake shook Morocco on 8 September 2023. Its epicenter was identified in the High Atlas mountains, located 71km south-west of the city of Marrakesh and was felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria. The remote villages nestled in the High Atlas region were particularly affected. As of September 14, over 2,681 people were killed and 2,501 injured. Needs assessments have revealed vulnerable earthquake-affected populations require urgent access to shelter and food assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene services, and healthcare. To respond to this disaster in a timely and effective manner, Global Affairs Canada is matching up to $3 million of donations made to the Canadian Red Cross’ (CRC) Earthquake in Morocco Appeal and $2 million to support the relief operations of the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent (IFRC) beyond the match. The Matching Fund addresses the life-saving needs of crisis-affected people, with funds channeled by the CRC to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and its partners to undertake earthquake response activities. Project activities include: (1) providing cash assistance, food and essential non-food items; (2) providing health and protection services, including mental health and psychological support; and (3) providing water, hygiene and sanitation services.