Earthquake in Morocco: MSF assesses needs on site

MSF is not operational in Morocco, but we are currently establishing contacts with the local authorities to intervene rapidly in order to assess needs and determine whether our support is required," said Michel-Olivier Lacharité, head of the emergency unit in Paris. “As with all earthquakes, the search for people buried under the rubble remains the priority, and this phase is often carried out by local players". 

The damage is particularly severe around Al-Haouz and Taroudant, in the centre of the country. Communication and supply routes need to be re-established quickly, so that help can be delivered from outside the affected areas.

In the first few days after this type of disaster, we have to treat the injured and carry out medical procedures quickly, in particular surgical operations, but also restore dialysis capacity, which can prove difficult when local health capacity is reduced by a disaster," explains Thomas Kauffmann, Director of MSF Luxembourg. “The distribution of essential goods and the restoration of health services are also priorities”. 

As with all earthquakes, the search for people buried under the rubble is the priority, and this phase is often handled by local solidarity. Communication and supply routes also need to be quickly re-established, as these are the prerequisites for the deployment of relief supplies from outside the affected areas.  In this type of context, we need to care for the wounded and perform medical acts quickly like surgery or dialysis, which can be a challenge when local health capacities are severely affected by a disaster. Restoring health services and distributing essential goods can also be priorities. Our intervention will therefore depend on the results of these initial on-site assessments.

How to donate to respond to the immediate needs of people stricken by the earthquake

The emergency fund enables MSF to quickly respond to the immediate needs of those affected by the earthquake in Morocco. 85% of the money goes straight to the field and MSF is audited every year by an independent, authorised body.

Secure donations can be made:

• via bank transfer: CCP LU751111000048480000 BIC: CCPLLULL
• via MSF Luxembourg’s website by clicking below: