As the devastating impact of the recent earthquake in Morocco continues to unfold, UNICEF has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the affected children and families. With the death toll now surpassing 2,900, the UN Children’s Agency stands ready to collaborate closely with Moroccan authorities and UN partners in delivering crucial aid and services to the most vulnerable members of the population.
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, UNICEF’s focus is on providing essential supplies and services, recognizing that children are always the most at risk during emergencies and require urgent assistance. However, the road to recovery for the children and families affected by this catastrophe is a long one. They will need shelter, access to clean drinking water, healthcare, nutritional support, and food.
UNICEF has also highlighted the importance of child protection services, including psychosocial support, to help children and parents cope with the distressing experiences they have endured. Additionally, getting children back into school is considered critical for their long-term recovery.
Meanwhile, Moroccan first responders, military personnel, and volunteers, alongside foreign teams from Qatar, the UAE, Spain, and the UK, are tirelessly working to locate survivors and retrieve the deceased. The Royal Armed Forces have deployed significant human and logistical resources, including Search and rescue teams and a field hospital, to provide essential assistance to the earthquake victims.
While the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity spearheads the collection and distribution of relief aid to the quake victims, Moroccans from all walks of life, including those in the diaspora, are showing remarkable solidarity and unity. They are sending food, blankets, tents, clothing, and other essentials to support the survivors.
The earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7, is the deadliest in Morocco since the 1960 earthquake that devastated Agadir.