On the night of Friday 8 September, a powerful earthquake hit Morocco, affecting the nation’s tourism epicentre of Marrakech and its surrounding areas. The earthquake is the strongest to have hit the country in more than a century, tragically killing at least 2,122 people and injuring 2,421 – as reported by state-run broadcaster 2M on Sunday.

The 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck around 11 pm local time, followed by a 4.9 magnitude aftershock around 20 minutes later, with the most affected area being high in the High Atlas mountain range. Residents in the remote villages and provinces of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant were killed. Just 72 kilometres southwest of Marrakech, the quake affected the nearby city – home to around 840,000 people – where buildings in historic Marrakech’s UNESCO World Heritage Site have collapsed. The earthquake was felt as north as Casablanca and in Portugal and Algeria.

With the death toll tragically rising and thousands of people homeless and displaced, dozens of organisations are providing aid and helping with rescue for victims of the Morocco earthquake and those affected. Here are some trusted ways to help the people of Morocco now.

Donate to the Red Cross to help aid relief

The Red Cross is one of the most prolific and trusted relief organisations in the world, and following the Morocco Earthquake, it jumped into action to raise the necessary funds. Donations to The Red Cross support the local Moroccan Red Crescent on the ground responding to the earthquake, including providing first aid to those in need, but also emotional support to affected and grieving people and those in shock. You can donate to the Red Cross via its website, by post, or by calling 0300 004 0338.

Islamic Relief

Known for its extraordinary relief efforts in predominantly Islamic countries, Islamic Relief is a faith-inspired humanitarian and development agency. The organisation quickly launched into action to start a $12.5 million emergency appeal to provide aid to the survivors of the earthquake. The organisation is working to help clear and support the death toll in the remote villages in the High Atlas mountains, where destruction is still emerging. Funds raised help with clearing equipment to help recover those from the rubble and clear roads – allowing ambulances to reach the wounded – along with providing food, shelter and healthcare. Islamic Relief is constantly identifying and working with local humanitarian organisations who it can work with to deliver vital aid. The charity recently played a huge role in the relief following the earthquake that struck Turkiye and Syria in February 2023 – helping more than 1 million people. You can donate directly on its website.

Ummah Welfare Trust

Another great charity supporting victims of the Morocco earthquake is Ummah Welfare Trust. The UK-based charity is inspired by the Islamic teachings of empathy, generosity and selflessness, and aims to alleviate poverty and suffering across the world. The charity is working on the ground to provide emergency relief, such as food and medical aid, and provide clean water by constructing tube wells, hand pumps and trucking water to the remote areas in need. Following the immediate disaster response, the charity continues its work by reconstructing homes, masjids, orphanages and schools and sponsoring orphans, widows and widowers. Donate on their website now.