MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MOROCCO – Morocco was shaken to its core on Friday, September 8, 2023, when a powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck the country. The consequences have been heart-wrenching, with a devastating loss of 2,012 lives and 1,832 individuals left grappling with severe injuries.
The earthquake’s impact was felt across nearly the entire nation of Morocco, including the provinces The earthquake’s effects reverberated throughout Morocco, touching regions such as Al-Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Azilal, Agadir, Casablanca, and Youssoufia. Tragically, the highest toll was in the Al-Haouz Province, where 694 lives were lost.
In a rapid response to the crisis, the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) and the Muhammadiyah Special Branch (PCIM) of the Kingdom of Morocco assigned a task force to provide essential assistance to the Moroccan people during the critical 14-day post-earthquake period.
This response team is working closely with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Morocco and the Moroccan Red Crescent (Hilal Ahmar) in Chichaoua.
“To ensure effective and timely humanitarian assistance, PCIM Morocco plans to operate this relief team for 14 days during the emergency response phase,” said PCIM Morocco member, Jundi Abdurrahman on Sunday (September 9).
Currently, the rapid response team is actively distributing essential supplies, including food, clean water, and medical supplies to survivors of the disaster. Special attention is being given to support programs for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, young children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Budi Setiawan, Chair of the MDMC mentioned that the MDMC is now collaborating with humanitarian organizations and the Moroccan government to address the earthquake’s aftermath.
The MDMC is its capacity to provide aid and alleviate the suffering of the Moroccan people. MDMC and PCIM Morocco are conducting a rapid assessment to determine the most effective ways to assist those in the affected areas.
“As advocates of humanitarian values, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt empathy to the people of Morocco during this tragic time,” expressed Budi Setiawan.
The earthquake’s impact was felt across nearly the entire nation of Morocco, including the provinces of Al-Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Azilal, Agadir, Casablanca, and Youssoufia. The highest number of casualties, totaling 694 fatalities, occurred in the Al-Haouz Province.
