Islamic Relief steps up aid distribution in Morocco

Islamic Relief is working with local partners to help deliver aid to the hundreds of thousands of people who have been affected by the devastating earthquake in Morocco.

So far, Islamic Relief has distributed more than 1,000 blankets, mattresses and hygiene kits respectively to affected communities in Morocco, including in areas such as Tikekht and Douzrou.

We have also been delivering food packs and continue to hold daily meetings with local partners to fully evaluate the changing needs of the devastated communities.

Rising death toll

The number of deaths has now risen to 3,000 people according to the Moroccan Interior Ministry, and more than 5,700 have been injured.

A further 300,000 people have been affected by the destructive quake.

Some 50,000 buildings have been damaged, and others completely destroyed.

More than a week after the earthquake, which struck the High Atlas Mountains on 8 September, some families are still sleeping without a roof above their heads.

Back to school

Children often bear the brunt of crises of this kind, and 100,000 children have been impacted by the earthquake, according to reports from UNICEF.

This week should have seen the children of Morocco return to school after the summer holidays, but for majority there was no building to return to as more than 580 schools have been flattened.

Temporary schools have been set up in tents in affected areas and in Marrakech city to accommodate 6,000 learners. The Ministry of Education has dedicated the first classes of the term to providing psychological help to support affected students.

With your help, we can continue to provide relief for the people of Morocco. Islamic Relief is appealing for £10 million to help earthquake survivors, please donate whatever you can to our Morocco Earthquake Fund now.