The Wild Reed: How We Can Help the People of Morocco and Libya

Like many people, I've been deeply saddened by the news and images coming out of the north African countries of Morocco and Libya. Each has been recently devastated by natural disasters. In Morocco, it was a powerful earthquake (above); in Libya, a massive flood (right).

Reports the Associated Press:

International aid groups have mobilized in Morocco, where a 6.8 magnitude earthquake has killed 2,681 and injured more than 2,500, and Libya, where thousands are reported dead and more than 10,000 still missing from flooding.

In the wake of such devastation it’s easy to feel despairing and powerless, but there are things we can do to make a difference. For instance, a while back I committed to giving monthly to both Doctor’s Without Borders and UNICEF. I gave an additional donation this evening to UNICEF for their work in both Morocco and Libya.

Perhaps you too are already helping in some way. If not, I invite you to consider donating as you are able to one or more of the following humanitarian organizations. Thanks!

Action Against Hunger | Doctors Without Borders | UNICEF | Save the Children | Mercy Corps | Red Cross | International Rescue Committee | Oxfam International | CARE.org

Following (with added images and links) is a September 9 message from UNICEF about the situation in Morocco.

The search for survivors continues in Morocco following a magnitude-6.8 earthquake, the most powerful quake to hit the area in more than a century. Families in several cities in Morocco rushed out of their homes and into the streets after a powerful earthquake struck at 11:11 p.m. on Sept. 8, 2023. A 4.9 magnitude aftershock followed 19 minutes later; several more have been reported.

Buildings collapsed, leaving nearly 3,000 people dead and more than 5,500 injured. The urgent search for survivors continues.

The epicenter of the magnitude-6.8 quake was in the High Atlas Mountains about 45 miles southwest of the city of Marrakech.

Many Moroccan children and their families are trapped under the rubble of their homes. According to the Ministry of Education, 530 schools and 55 boarding schools have been damaged. Damage to parts of Marrakech’s Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has also been reported. Hospitals in the city are receiving an influx of injured people, where authorities have called on residents to donate blood.

More than 380,000 people live within 30 miles of the epicenter. Rescuers are struggling to reach remote mountainous villages over roads blocked by debris.

António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, issued a statement saying the United Nations is ready to assist the Government of Morocco in its efforts to aid the impacted population.

The United Nations is in constant communication with the authorities to support assessment and response to the situation. Consultations are ongoing in order to further identify areas where the UN and its partners can provide support in the coming hours and days.

In an earthquake and other emergencies, children are always among the most vulnerable. Children and families displaced by the Morocco earthquake will need shelter, safe water, medical care, protection and psychosocial support. Morocco earthquake survivors will need help to rebuild their lives.

Whenever and wherever emergencies strike, UNICEF puts children first. Your donation helps UNICEF stay at the ready to provide emergency support for children and their families. Please donate today.

Morocco is a country I’ve long wanted to visit, in part because of the stunning architecture of many of its historic buildings, including mosques, riads (traditional townhouses with a courtyard), tombs, and palaces – all beautifully adorned with colorful tiling and intricate plasterwork. Sadly, many of these building have been damaged or even lost completely because of the recent earthquake.

I close by sharing some images of the unique beauty of Morocco that I’ve collected over the years. I share these images in a spirit of love and healing for the people of Morocco.