Providing Assistance for the Morocco Earthquake and Libya Flood Victims

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International aid organizations have sprung into action in response to two major natural disasters: a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco, which claimed the lives of 2,681 people and left over 2,500 injured, and devastating flooding in Libya, where thousands are reported dead, and more than 10,000 individuals remain missing. Generous donors, both individuals and institutions, are also rallying to support relief efforts in these afflicted regions.

Experts emphasize that the most effective way to provide assistance to those affected in both Morocco and Libya is to contribute to established organizations that already have a presence on the ground in these countries.

In Morocco, where the earthquake’s epicenter was in the Atlas Mountains, this takes on particular significance. So far, the Moroccan government has accepted governmental aid from only four nations: Spain, Qatar, Britain, and the United Arab Emirates. They are doing this to ensure efficient coordination and avoid any potential disruptions.

In Libya, the situation is complex due to the presence of two rival governments with support from different countries. This political situation raises concerns about potential delays in rescue and recovery efforts.

Patricia McIlreavy, CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, highlights the increasing scale and severity of natural disasters, which strain both financial and human resources, as well as empathy. She advises people to consider longer-term, unrestricted giving rather than rushing to donate immediately, especially when conditions are rapidly evolving.

Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator, a nonprofit evaluation and rating organization, notes that delivering aid to Libya might be challenging due to ongoing U.S. sanctions against the country. Typically, these sanctions are waived following natural disasters, as was the case for Syria earlier this year after a devastating earthquake.

Thatcher suggests that larger international nonprofits, such as The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), have an easier time navigating sanctions compared to smaller U.S. nonprofits without previous interactions with Libyan governments.

Charity Navigator has compiled a list of nonprofits operating in Libya, providing options for potential donors.

Here are some organizations actively responding and seeking additional support:

• The IFRC has swiftly responded to both disasters, releasing $1.1 million from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund to aid the Moroccan Red Crescent’s relief efforts. It has also launched an appeal to raise $112 million more to address the ongoing crisis. Tamer Ramadan, Libya envoy for the IFRC, described the situation in Libya as equally devastating as that in Morocco.

• World Central Kitchen is collaborating with Moroccan volunteers to supply food and water in the hardest-hit remote areas by the earthquake. Additionally, the organization’s helicopters are transporting supplies to these areas and evacuating injured individuals on return trips.

• Doctors Without Borders has dispatched a team of 10 staff members to Morocco to assess local hospital needs and how the organization can support the Moroccan government with supplies or logistics. Despite previously announcing plans to end medical activities in Tripoli, it continues to provide medical care and humanitarian assistance in other parts of Libya.

• CARE, which has been active in Morocco since 2008, has initiated the Morocco Earthquake Emergency Fund. This fund is designed to prioritize providing food and shelter to women, girls, youth, and disadvantaged groups affected by the disaster.

• GlobalGiving’s Morocco Earthquake Relief Fund has raised nearly $560,000, aiming to provide food, water, and shelter to those who have lost their homes in the earthquake, while also supporting long-term recovery efforts.

• Islamic Relief has pledged 100,000 British pounds ($125,000) for Libya relief efforts and launched the Libya Floods Emergency Appeal to raise additional funds for local humanitarian organizations to use in assisting affected communities.

These organizations are working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering caused by these disasters. Your support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by the Morocco earthquake and Libya flood.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Humanitarian Aid

More about Humanitarian Aid

• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
• World Central Kitchen
• Doctors Without Borders
• CARE
• GlobalGiving’s Morocco Earthquake Relief Fund
• Islamic Relief
• Charity Navigator
• Big Big News’ philanthropy coverage