As search and rescue teams from around the globe join Morocco’s emergency response following last Friday’s devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake, Big Issue partner organisation The Intrepid Foundation has launched a recovery appeal to help distribute lifesaving supplies to survivors.
It was the largest earthquake experienced in Morocco for more than six decades and, as of Monday (11 September), the death toll had reached almost 2,500 people – and is expected to rise.
Hard-to-reach rural communities in the High Atlas mountains near the earthquake epicentre are among the worst affected areas. The city of Marrakesh has also experienced significant damage, including the old city and Medina.
Some remote communities are still inaccessible, and the number of people injured, standing at 2,500, is also expected to increase.
Intrepid Travel’s Morocco team is one of their largest globally, with a sizeable staff based there. And Intrepid Foundation supports numerous community projects and small-scale tourism businesses and sole operators.
People in Morocco are dealing with unimaginable loss
Zina Benchiekh
Intrepid Foundation has launched its appeal to provide immediate support for urgently needed food, shelter, clean water and medical supplies, through two of its partners – High Atlas Foundation and Education For All. Both have people on the ground working in communities affected.
