2023-09-10 07:37:10
Andreas Knapp: “Employees from the Caritas network are already on site to support the people in the earthquake area with emergency aid. We help with donations from Austria!”
Vienna (OTS) – So far, more than 2,000 people have died in the worst recorded earthquake in Morocco since 1900 on the night of September 9, 2023. The number of injured rose to 2,059 and there are fears the death toll will also continue to rise following the magnitude 6.8 earthquake around 70 kilometers southwest of Marrakesh. In areas from the Atlas Mountains to the old town of Marrakesh, countless buildings were destroyed, cultural monuments damaged and large parts of the country devastated. The greatest damage occurred outside the cities, but Marrakesh, with a population of 840,000 people, was also severely affected.
Andreas Knapp, Secretary General International Programs at Caritas Austria: “The colleagues at Caritas Rabat are working under high pressure and are supporting the victims of this terrible catastrophe. The streets are partially buried, but Caritas teams, together with other aid organizations, are providing people with food, clean drinking water and medical help.”
Caritas network evaluates the situation on site
More than 300,000 people in Marrakesh and the surrounding area are directly affected by the earthquake. The most affected areas are the provinces and municipalities of Al Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant. Panic had broken out at times during the night and people stayed outside for fear of further tremors. “Caritas Morocco and the diocesan Caritas Rabat take care of the people. They will also be by their side when the initial shock is over,” said Knapp. “Our colleagues are assessing the situation on site and providing assistance as quickly as possible. The situation is complex and resources are limited: drinking water, food, medical care and emergency shelter are now urgently needed so that the affected people in Morocco have a better chance of survival.”
Donations make the difference
In order to best support the affected people and the local Caritas network partner organizations with emergency aid, every donation counts. “We are urgently asking for donations to enable emergency relief in Morocco. This help benefits the injured and traumatized residents of the earthquake areas and alleviates their suffering!” appeals Andreas Knapp.
Donation option for disaster relief in the earthquake zone:
www.caritas.at/erdbeben-marokko
and
Caritas Austria
Erste Bank: IBAN AT23 2011 1000 0123 4560
BIC GIBAATWWXXX
Keyword: disaster fund
Questions & Contact:
Caritas Austria
Mag.a Claudia Vitt
The press officer
+43 664 82 66 920
claudia.white@caritas-austria.at
www.caritas.at
1694331441
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