Morocco Earthquake Appeal
Our teams are working with our partner organisations in Morocco to respond to people affected by the earthquake.
Last updated: 08 April 2024
"As a women-led organization, we were very committed to take into consideration the specific needs of women." Sanae Zaima, President of Fédération des Ligues des Droits Des Femmes Morocco.
As a women-led organization, we were very committed to take into consideration the specific needs of women.”
Sanae Zaima, president of Oxfam partner Fédération des Ligues des Droits Des Femmes.
What's happening in Morocco?
More than 2,900 people were killed and thousands injured in Morocco following a devastating earthquake.
The magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Morocco on Friday 8 September around 11 p.m.
It is estimated that at least 300,000 people may be directly affected.
The earthquake hit the city of Marrakech very hard, but also the provinces of Al-Haouz and Taroudant.
It is the country's deadliest earthquake in 60 years.
Entire villages have been destroyed by the earthquake. Many of the affected communities are in remote and mountainous areas, which is making reaching them very challenging.
Oxfam has been working in Morocco since 1991, supporting people, including small-scale farmers, women and young people, with income generation and employment projects.
We know from years of experience that people will need immediate lifesaving support including shelter, food and water. For the hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their homes and work, it may take them months and maybe years to recover from, and to rebuild their lives.
Our local partners have been hard at work since the earthquake hit, assessing the needs of those affected and what support they will provide in the coming days, weeks and months.
Frequently asked questions
Can I donate items like clothing and blankets to help people in emergencies?
Clothes and blankets are among the many items we can sell in our shops here to raise funds, but Oxfam does not send clothes and blankets overseas, however good their condition.
Often this is not cost effective. Shipping also takes time. What people give today might not be what people need tomorrow. Wherever possible, Oxfam buys items locally or from countries in the affected region. This stimulates the local economy and has a lower environmental impact.
That's why making a cash donation is one of the most effective ways to support Oxfam's emergency work.
Can I volunteer to drive supplies from the UK overseas?
Oxfam does not send volunteer drivers from the UK overseas with supplies. Wherever possible, Oxfam buys items locally or from countries in the affected region. This stimulates the local economy and has a lower environmental impact.
That's why making a cash donation is one of the most effective ways to support Oxfam's emergency work.
We deeply appreciate anyone’s desire to support our work and would love for you to volunteer in one of our shops too. Our shop volunteers include those who have been forced to flee conflict and disaster, so they provide a way to welcome people in our communities.
Please visit our volunteering page to find out more information about the fantastic opportunities we have.
How we spend your money
For every £1 you donate to this emergency appeal, we will allocate 9p of your donation to cover general support and running costs. There is a small chance that we will raise more money than is needed for this appeal. If this happens, we'll spend any additional funds on other Oxfam projects – wherever the need is greatest.