SINGAPORE: The Singapore Red Cross is pledging US$50,000 (S$68,000) in humanitarian aid after an earthquake in Morocco killed more than 2,000 people.
The 6.8-magnitude quake struck late on Friday (Sep 8) in a mountainous area 72km southwest of Marrakesh, the US Geological Survey reported. It is the deadliest quake to hit the country in more than six decades.
With strong tremors also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira, the quake caused widespread damage and sent residents and tourists scrambling to safety in the middle of the night.
More than 2,000 people were injured, with about 1,400 in critical condition, said the country's interior ministry. Troops and emergency services are trying to reach remote mountain villages where victims are still feared trapped.
The Singapore Red Cross said the US$50,000 will directly support ongoing relief efforts by the Moroccan Red Crescent.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and injury, as well as damage to property and livelihoods, arising from the devastating disaster. We are in touch with our sister National Society, and we will continue to closely assess the situation as it evolves over the next few days," said Singapore Red Cross CEO Benjamin William.
"We stand ready to provide further support to the emergency relief and recovery operations, including possibly deploying our responders on the ground."
He added that a fundraising appeal will be launched in the coming week.
A view shows a damaged building on the road between Amizmiz and Ouirgane on Sep 9, 2023, following a powerful earthquake in Morocco. (Photo: Reuters/Ahmed El Jechtimi)
The Singapore Red Cross has also activated its Restoring Family Links service to help Singapore residents locate their immediate family members who may have been affected by the disaster.
The Moroccan Red Crescent has been closely coordinating relief efforts with local authorities to dispatch items to affected communities. It is also helping to evacuate people and transport the wounded to hospital, while providing first aid and psychological support.
Paramedics and trained volunteers are rendering immediate first aid to the injured. The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has deployed emergency response units to assist with relief, water sanitation and healthcare.
The regional blood transfusion centre in Marrakesh called on residents to donate blood for the injured.
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The 6.8-magnitude quake struck late on Friday (Sep 8) in a mountainous area 72km southwest of Marrakesh, the US Geological Survey reported. It is the deadliest quake to hit the country in more than six decades.
With strong tremors also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira, the quake caused widespread damage and sent residents and tourists scrambling to safety in the middle of the night.
More than 2,000 people were injured, with about 1,400 in critical condition, said the country's interior ministry. Troops and emergency services are trying to reach remote mountain villages where victims are still feared trapped.
The Singapore Red Cross said the US$50,000 will directly support ongoing relief efforts by the Moroccan Red Crescent.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and injury, as well as damage to property and livelihoods, arising from the devastating disaster. We are in touch with our sister National Society, and we will continue to closely assess the situation as it evolves over the next few days," said Singapore Red Cross CEO Benjamin William.
"We stand ready to provide further support to the emergency relief and recovery operations, including possibly deploying our responders on the ground."
He added that a fundraising appeal will be launched in the coming week.
A view shows a damaged building on the road between Amizmiz and Ouirgane on Sep 9, 2023, following a powerful earthquake in Morocco. (Photo: Reuters/Ahmed El Jechtimi)
The Singapore Red Cross has also activated its Restoring Family Links service to help Singapore residents locate their immediate family members who may have been affected by the disaster.
The Moroccan Red Crescent has been closely coordinating relief efforts with local authorities to dispatch items to affected communities. It is also helping to evacuate people and transport the wounded to hospital, while providing first aid and psychological support.
Paramedics and trained volunteers are rendering immediate first aid to the injured. The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has deployed emergency response units to assist with relief, water sanitation and healthcare.
The regional blood transfusion centre in Marrakesh called on residents to donate blood for the injured.
Continue reading...