Credit: Moroccan Red Crescent

Several charitable and humanitarian organisations in Luxembourg have launched emergency appeals following the deadly earthquake that struck Morocco on Friday 8 September 2023.

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake had its epicentre in the High Atlas Mountains, about 70 km south-west of Marrakesh, with tremors felt across the country. The earthquake has claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people and injured at least 2,000 others.

In response, several organisations in (or with links to) Luxembourg have set up emergency appeals to support the victims. At the time of writing, these include the Luxembourg Red Cross, Caritas Luxembourg, MSF Luxembourg and UNICEF.

Luxembourg Red Cross

The Luxembourg Red Cross has launched a call for donations via bank transfer to the account CCP LU52 1111 0000 1111 0000 (reference: "Séisme Maroc"). These donations will support the search and rescue efforts undertaken by more than 8,000 Moroccan Red Crescent volunteers. These volunteers are providing first aid and psychosocial support to victims, as well as helping to transport the injured to hospitals.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which brings together 191 member national societies, also immediately released 1 million Swiss francs, and assessments are underway to send emergency response teams within 24 to 48 hours, as needed.

Caritas Luxembourg

Caritas Luxembourg has appealed for donations, to support the efforts of the Caritas network in helping victims of the earthquake, via either its website or via bank transfer to the account: CCPL IBAN LU34 1111 0000 2020 0000 (reference: "Tremblement de terre au Maroc"). Donations will help support survivors with food, water and other basic necessities, as well as medical aid. The Caritas network is present in more than 160 countries, including Morocco.

MSF Luxembourg

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Luxembourg has called for donations to the MSF Emergency Fund via the MSF Luxembourg website or via bank transfer to the account: CCP LU751111000048480000 (BIC: CCPLLULL). The Emergency Fund enables MSF to quickly respond to the immediate needs of those affected; 85% of the money goes straight to the field.

Although not operational in Morocco, MSF has been working to establish contacts with the local authorities and an MSF emergency team is currently on site to assess needs. The priority in the early days is caring for the injured and carrying out medical procedures quickly, noted MSF Luxembourg Director Thomas Kauffmann. "The distribution of essential goods and the restoration of health services are also priorities."

UNICEF

UNICEF, which has a presence in Luxembourg, has confirmed that its teams are "on-site, ready to provide humanitarian aid" whilst working together with the Moroccan government to best address the needs to children and their families. To support these efforts, which mainly relate to the provision of shelter, clean water, medical care and psychosocial support, donations are welcome via UNICEF Luxembourg's website.