In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that recently shook Morocco and left thousands of people dead, the full extent of the damage is still unclear, especially near the epicenter of the quake in the mountains. Entire villages, where houses are built with traditional mud bricks, are now demolished. This is the strongest earthquake to hit Morocco in 120 years.
Amid the chaos, several faith-based organizations have swiftly mobilized to offer vital assistance and support to affected communities. A few of these organizations include:
1) Send Relief
Send Relief, which has more than a dozen ministry locations throughout North America, has set up a web page where people can donate and discover specific prayer requests for Moroccans and ongoing crisis response efforts. “We are praying for the people of Morocco and for the ongoing rescue and relief efforts,” said Paul Chitwood, president of Send Relief’s International Mission Board. “I’m especially grateful for Send Relief’s international relief team, who are already on site and working with local partners responding quickly to meet needs and share hope.”
2) Convoy of Hope
From its headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, Convoy of Hope has initiated a comprehensive response plan to deliver hope by way of essential resources to affected areas in Morocco. The organization is looking to provide survivors with food, clean water, hygiene supplies, shelter, blankets, and generators. This multifaceted approach recognizes the diverse needs of those impacted by the earthquake, ensuring that both immediate necessities and long-term support are met.
3) Operation Blessing
Operation Blessing, which is based in Virginia Beach, is already rushing desperately needed aid to the region, and actively deploying members to Morocco to participate in relief efforts. These dedicated individuals bring their expertise in disaster response to assist affected communities. Their presence will be invaluable in offering medical care, psycho-social support, and contributions to rebuilding efforts.
4) Islamic Relief
Islamic Relief, a Virginia-based nonprofit organization that provides aid, said its staff is in Morocco working in tandem with local humanitarian organizations. The global organization has committed $10 million toward relief efforts, with the U.S. branch dedicating an initial $1 million. “We distributed blankets and mattresses in a village high up in the mountains,” shared Hana Elabdallaoui, part of Islamic Relief’s team on the ground. “The road was difficult, so it took time to get there. When we reached the village people were sitting outside in the dark. … One woman told me that her clothes are wet when she wakes up, because of the frost.”
5) American Jewish Committee
American Jewish Committee, a global advocacy organization headquartered in New York City, has taken swift action by making immediate contributions totaling $100,000 to various organizations assisting the Moroccan people. These contributions include support for IsraAID, which is actively engaged in emergency relief responses.
6) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world, including those in Africa and the Middle East, are joining in prayer for those involved in rescue efforts and for the swift recovery of those injured in the earthquake. The Church stands ready to assist the Moroccan government in any way possible. Currently, the Church is actively working with relief organizations to provide assistance, and support to the affected region.