In the late hours of September 8th, a devastating earthquake struck 71km southwest of Marrakesh, Morocco, with a magnitude of 6.8. This catastrophic earthquake resulted in the tragic loss of 2,946 lives and affected approximately 300,000 people.
In the wake of this disaster, the Morocco Korean Mission Church, a group of Korean missionaries, decided to take part in the relief efforts. They organized a response team composed of volunteers and professionals into 54 units, dedicating their efforts to providing prayers, time, goods, and specialized services such as medical aid and administrative support to the survivors.
Gfoundation also promptly cooperated with local NGOs to organize an emergency response team aimed at addressing the urgent needs of those affected by the earthquake.
GFoundation allocated an emergency response team for the first round at the end of October. During this initial phase of rescue, we distributed necessities, food and medication to immediately assist survivors in adjusting to their living conditions in tent villages. In the second phase, conducted from the end of November to the present, we adopted the theme of ‘Choice and Focus’, addressing the more specific needs of those affected. Emergency relief and preliminary restoration of the affected area are being strategically carried out.
The regions of Amizmiz, Regarga, and Tubukal were selected for assistance due to the extensive destruction of buildings and the resultant widespread homelessness. These areas, characterized by their mountainous region (Atlas), are located Southwest of Marrakesh. The population in these areas lives in villages scattered throughout the region. These regions are also difficult to access due to narrow roads, often single-lane, and the danger of falling rocks. Regions like Amizmiz and Regarga were100 percent of buildings collapsed, were chosen due to the prevalent homelessness caused by the disaster. Tubukal was selected because access to the region was complicated by insufficient infrastructure.
City of Amizmiz
Amizmiz, a small city located about an hour’s drive from Marrakesh, suffered significant devastation with the majority of its buildings collapsing. In response to the disaster, approximately 1,000 tents were initially set up to accommodate the affected families, with around 500 tents still in use. We distributed 100 units each of flour, lentils, rice, cooking oil, olive oil, sugar, and canned tuna for food supplies, and 100 units each of Doliprane, vitamin C, Voltaren Amerl Gel, allergy medicine, and digestive medicine for medical supplies.
City of Tubukal
Tubukal is a rural and mountainous area that is located a 5-hour drive from Marrakesh. The challenging terrain makes it difficult to access the region. The region received support during the first stage of the rescue. Although some houses remained standing, none were deemed suitable for living. This area was selected for the initial stage of the rescue effort due to its significant poverty levels and on the recommendation of a local partner. We distributed 100 units each of flour, lentils, rice, cooking oil, olive oil, sugar, and canned tuna for food supplies. Additionally, we distributed 100 units each of Doliprane, vitamin C, Voltaren Amerl Gel, allergy medicine, and digestive medicine for medical supplies.
City of Regarga
Regarga, located approximately a 2-hour drive from Marrakesh, currently has about 100 tents set up to accommodate earthquake survivors. We have been actively involved in this region since the earthquake began. However, the residents of Regarga are not well acquainted with each other, leading to a noticeable lack of community. We distributed 100 units each of flour, lentils, rice, cooking oil, olive oil, sugar, and canned tuna for food supplies, and 100 units each of Doliprane, Vitamin C, Voltaren Amerl Gel, allergy medicine, and digestive medicine for medical supplies.
Gfoundation is committed to continuing our support for the communities affected by the earthquake in Morocco and to expanding our efforts. Our support has been carefully allocated towards car rental, food support, transportation, gas fees, and compensation for local partners, among other necessities.
We plan to revisit the regions we previously supported, participate in reconstruction efforts, and build further partnerships with the community by distributing more aid and fostering self-reliance, especially among women and children, providing medical care, encouraging community building, and evangelizing.
Moving forward, Gfoundation intends to pay closer attention to how we organize and run our relief work to make it sustainable. As we continue to support Morocco, our goal is to help not only the community but also missionaries and ministers in the country come together as a community. By doing this, we’re not just addressing the urgent needs caused by the earthquake, but also creating strong bonds and support systems that will last, making a real difference in our work and the lives of those in need.
The unwavering support from online donations from Korea and donation funds from Pilgrim mission church in NJ has enabled us to support Morocco communities, survivors of the earthquake, and missionaries in need.
Your generous donation has allowed us to provide essential supplies, immediate rescue, and help rebuild collapsing communities.
We sincerely appreciate your dedication and invite you to remain actively engaged in our mission.
