Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has allocated QR1mn to provide urgent relief to earthquake-hit Morocco, it was announced yesterday. This is meant to fulfill essential requirements of tents, blankets, personal hygiene materials, as well as certain food and health provisions, a statement said.
Since the initial hours, QRCS has closely monitored the outcomes of the devastation and casualties caused by the earthquake that impacted Morocco, particularly the city of Ighil in the Al Haouz province and located 56km southwest of Marrakesh.
The earthquake, which occurred on September 8, with a magnitude of 7 on the Richter scale and a depth of 18.5km, has so far caused a death toll of 2,100 across nine provinces, with more than 2,000 people sustaining injuries. Over 300,000 individuals have been adversely affected. The disaster has also caused significant damage to numerous buildings and households, as well as the collapse of critical infrastructure such as bridges and roads.
QRCS initiated its immediate response by activating the Disaster Information Management Centre - on September 8 at 3am - to monitor the most recent advancements in collaboration with the Moroccan Red Crescent and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
QRCS, in collaboration with the relevant authorities and with the assistance of the Qatar Amiri Air Force, has commenced operations of relief aircraft. These planes will transport crucial supplies, as relief teams and supply officials prepare relief trucks for the transportation of these materials via air. Accompanied by field relief teams, the materials will be evaluated, needs monitored, and raw materials distributed in coordination with the Moroccan Red Crescent. The materials to be transported include relief tents, solar lighting, kitchen utensils, medical devices and supplies, and a limited amount of food supplies.
In response to the humanitarian appeal from Qatar, the QRCS, through its website and electronic application, quickly activated several projects (relief materials and food baskets) within the framework of urgent relief for those affected by the Moroccan earthquake, within the license of the Qatari Charitable Regulatory Authority.
QRCS acting secretary general Faisal Mohamed al-Emadi, emphasised his solidarity and assistance towards the Moroccan Red Crescent during these challenging circumstances. He also expressed his hope that the compassionate and charitable people of Qatar will extend their support to the QRCS's efforts in alleviating the adverse consequences of the earthquake on the affected families.
