On 8 September 2023, an earthquake of magnitude 6.8–6.9 struck Morocco's Marrakesh–Safi region, killing at least 2,960 people and injuring 5,674. At least 40,759 houses and 2,930 villages were damaged, and 19,095 additional houses collapsed, displacing over 500,000 people. The local organization JOOD Association, which is regularly working to support the Moroccan homeless population, entered the disaster area immediately after the earthquake to survey the situation and provide blankets, tents and other supplies.
On October 15, 2023, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (BTCF) and JOOD Association started a first partnership to jointly provide assistance to 6,000 households affected by the earthquake, including food packages as well as hygiene bags and blankets. The food packages include flour, barley, couscous, dried legumes, vegetable oil, and dates, at a total of 43 kg for smaller families up to four members and 87 kg for larger families with five or more members. The hygiene bags include soap, shampoo, disinfectant gel, gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and combs. Distributions will be completed in two phases. BTCF is also assisting JOOD Association in outfitting two shower trucks to provide hygiene services to the earthquake survivors.
This first phase of assistance, covering a total of 1,131 smaller families and 4,869 larger families in fifty villages throughout the municipalities of Tamesloht, Aghouatim, Moulay Brahim, Setti Fatma, Qukaimeden, and Ourika, will be completed by December 30, 2023. After the completion of the first phase, further phases of relief are being planned.
In a letter of gratitude to BTCF’s founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen, Hind Laidi, the President and CEO of JOOD wrote: “[The families] affected by last September’s earthquake […] are living through a tragedy, but your love and your commitment to solidarity are a great strength for them and for us, who struggle every day to help the unfortunate victims of the Al Haouz earthquake.”
The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a global non-profit humanitarian organization founded in 1966 by Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen. Its missions of medicine, charity, education, and humanistic culture have brought relief to 129 countries. The heart of Tzu Chi is embedded in its name: in Chinese, “Tzu” means compassion and “Chi” relief, to relieve the suffering of those in need while creating a better world for all through compassion, love and hope. For more information, visit tzuchi.us. For additional information and media inquiries, please write to Sandy Lu, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, sandz0811@tzuchi.org.tw .
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