AFRICA/MOROCCO - Solidarity of the Catholic community with the victims of the earthquake

Monday, 11 September 2023 earthquake caritas local churches solidarity

MOROCCO

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Rabat (Agenzia Fides) - "The Catholic Church in Morocco-diocese of Rabat wishes to express its compassion for all the victims, in particular for the Moroccan families who are in mourning or who have injured among their members. We also think of those who lost their homes and possessions" we read in the message of solidarity from Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, Archbishop of Rabat, for the violent earthquake that struck the city of Marrakech and its surroundings on the night of 8 to September 9.
“To our knowledge, the Christian communities were spared and suffered only minor material damage in the churches of Marrakech and Ouarzazate,” said the Cardinal.
“Through diocesan Caritas, we want to transmit the help that our generosity can make available for the most urgent needs,” he adds. In the meantime, international solidarity in favor of the affected populations has begun. “Caritas Internationalis is working to provide immediate aid and support to those affected by this tragedy,” says the Catholic aid organization. “We are in constant communication with Caritas Morocco and actively collaborating with Caritas Middle East and other Caritas members around the world. Together, we are committed to conducting assessments and coordinating a comprehensive response in the hours and days to come ", he emphasizes.
Caritas Spain has launched the emergency campaign "Cáritas with Morocco". Its objective is to channel the solidarity of Spanish donors to address the humanitarian emergency caused by the earthquake recorded in the provinces and cities of Marrakech, Taroudant, Chichaua, Ouarzazate and Al Hauz (south of the country).
The International Cooperation team of Cáritas Española contacted Caritas Rabat to offer accompaniment and support in managing the emergency. This is the largest earthquake recorded in the country since 1900. The earthquake hit an area of the Atlas Mountains located south of the city of Marrakech. The epicenter was located in the village of Iguil (63 kilometers from Marrakech) in the province of Al Hauz. The death toll now stands at 2,122 and the number of injured at 2,421, according to the latest provisional report from Moroccan authorities. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 11/9/2023)