On the night of September 8, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, 72 kilometers southwest of the city of Marrakech.

On Monday, September 11, the death toll exceeded 2,500, with the same number injured. Because of their remoteness in the mountains, the affected areas are very difficult to reach and report, but all indications are that the damage is considerable, and that the death toll is set to rise.

Development and Peace - Caritas Canada is in the process of establishing contacts with organizations in the region, including Caritas Morocco, which has already sent teams to the worst-affected areas. The wider Caritas Internationalis network is also mobilizing to help.  Our staff are heading to the affected areas - most of which are very isolated - to begin rescue and relief operations immediately, to better assess needs and coordinate aid efforts. Several regional Caritas agencies are in close contact with them and stand ready to help if necessary.

From experience, we know that Caritas Morocco will need all the help we can offer, first to save lives, then to rescue and comfort people, and finally to help communities rebuild in a sustainable way.

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Thank you for your solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Morocco.