In the evening of September 8th, a devastating earthquake measuring 6.8 struck central Morocco. More than 2,900 people are reportedly killed and several thousand more injured. The epicentre was in a mountainous area, but the shaking was also felt in several provinces and neighbouring countries.
The quake was the strongest to hit the nation’s centre in more than a century, and its epicenter was not far from popular tourist and economic hub Marrakech. More than 300,000 people have been affected in Marrakech and surrounding areas as significant infrastructure such as roads, communications, hospitals, and more simply vanished, taking with them hope. Many are left without homes, running water or electricity. The situation was most desperate for people in remote areas cut off by landslides triggered by the earthquake that blocked access roads.
OM partners are on the ground responding to the urgent need of the communities affected by the earthquake in and around the villages in the Atlas Mountains. Join us in extending a helping hand and sharing the hope of Christ to those who were affected in Morocco. City areas have had less physical damage, but people are deeply traumatized by the loss of loved ones in the mountains and their own homes shaking. Partners of OM continue to show Christ’s love as they listen to friends process their experiences.
Even before the earthquake, the mountain villages were some of the poorest in the country. Now, support and supplies are slow to get to these locations, as responders struggle with difficult access and crowded roads. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential to travel over the rough terrain and some villages can only be reached on foot.
Tents have sprung up around the edges of destroyed villages. With rain coming soon and snow expected in the coming months there is a demand for longer-term shelters and safe water and sanitation. Our partners will continue to assess the needs of communities and provide relief in both affected mountain villages and city locations.
Give now to support the relief efforts in Morocco and help share the hope found in Christ.
The seeds of the miracle that Moroccans need most—new life in Jesus Christ—
could well be found in the generous aid and concern for their welfare shown by followers of Jesus like you.
"We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done. "
Psalm 78:4