12 SEPTEMBER 2023 09:51
The strongest earthquake on record struck with its epicentre in the remote mountain village 45 miles south of Marrakech causing major destruction to many villages. Currently military forces and emergency services are working in the remote villages where it is feared many people are still trapped. Rescue attempts have been hampered by the inability to access these remote mountainous regions due to landslips and blocked roads. As we currently understand it, several rescue teams from other nations are in Morocco assisting the local authorities in search and rescue for more survivors. Many roads are now clear but the more remote areas are still proving to be extremely difficult to access due to the rugged mountain terrain.
We are devastated to hear the news but have constantly been in contact with our customers in Morocco, friends, dear colleagues and all our local suppliers, some of which have sustained damage to their properties in varying degrees but as we currently understand it, fortunately, there has been no loss of life. Our thoughts are with all our friends, colleagues and their families at this shocking time. We ourselves at Naturally Morocco have contributed to a disaster fund set up by the British Moroccan Society of who we know members and we can be sure that the monies donated will be sent directly to where it is needed.
The BMS has worked for decades with local associations across Morocco with a particular focus on the Atlas Mountains in the Al Haouz region where the epicentre of the earthquake was located near Marrakech.
The BMS is a British Charity, Registered Number 1111793, donations by U.K. tax payers are eligible for Gift Aid. As the tragic situation unfolds the British Moroccan Society is working closely with their partner associations to quickly get funds to places they are most needed.
Should you wish to make a donation, you can do so by using the following link where you can be assured that the money will reach the people who need it; Making a Gift Aided Donation here . Many thanks for your generosity.
Another organisation doing great work towards relief in the remote areas is The High Atlas Earthquake Resilience Fund who we are also actively supporting with your generous donations.
Giorgina and Massimo owners of Riad le Clos des Arts in Marrakesh have been supporting the Association El Amane for Women and Children and have set up via Giorgina's sister a fund to support these vulnerable women at this terrible time. To learn more or contribute please follow the link
There is also the Education For All charity for girls to receive an opportunity to be educated. The earthquake has struck their 5 of 6 boarding houses suffering significant damage inside and outside of the buildings. They are reaching out for donations to help rebuild.
They are currently waiting for any news regarding their students who were away from the school for the holidays, and were in their respective villages during the time of the earthquake. Unfortunately, the communication networks are currently down, making it difficult for them to gather information about their situation. Their priority is to ensure the safety of their students, and are constantly praying for their well-being. To make a donation, please follow the link.
We at Naturally Morocco are also accepting donations and are working closely with one of our our local suppliers who has established a relief distribution network purchasing and delivering tents blankets and food to the many families now homeless and sleeping out in this hostile environment. If you wish to donate via Naturally Morocco please follow this link to our secure payment page and clearly reference your contribution as "Donation"
Looking forward, another charity that we are keen to support is the Moroccan Children's Trust who have issued the following statement and a link for any donation you may wish to make to help the inevitable number of orphaned children
The Moroccan Children’s Trust write “ it isn't only about water and essential supplies but also the costs in the medium-term of offering targeted social work support to those who will migrate from the decimated nearby mountain villages to the town of Taroudant. We will take their referrals, especially of abandoned children, if we have the funding that will be needed”. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/morocco-urgent-earthquake-appeal
For customers who have a booking with us, please contact us directly at our UK office on + 44 1239 710814 or email us at info@naturallymorocco.co.uk where we can advise the current situation or any updates as they unfold and some advise on travelling.





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