From Crisis to Compassion: Making Meaningful Impact in Times of Natural Disasters
The Moroccan Earthquake in September 2023 devastated southern villages, sparking a charitable response.
2023 has been a remarkable year for humanity, as wars ignited and natural disasters showed no limits, many fragile areas and populations of the world suffered the consequences. One of the most significant catastrophes of this year has been the devastating deadly earthquake that hit Morocco, leaving a remarkable impact on its people and its landscape. This disaster fueled a wave of global humanitarian aid pouring into Morocco, some of which was not welcomed. In this article, we examine customary humanitarian intervention strategies and delve into optimal ways of helping victims of natural disasters.
On the 8th of September 2023, a devastating earthquake of magnitude 6.8 hit Morocco in the late hours of the night, with the epicenter 44 miles southwest of Marrakech, close to the village of Adassil. The live coverage details of this is as reported below by Aljazeera news.
According to a report published by the Moroccan Royal Court in September 2023, the Government of Morocco accepted an estimated 120 billion dirhams in donations, over a period of five years. But why did the Moroccan government reject some international and neighboring aids during the earthquake crisis?
Morocco accepted limited foreign aid, due to political and logistical concerns. Aid poured mainly from four countries: the UK, Qatar, Spain, and UAE in order for the aid to be effective and coordinated. The decision to accept or decline help from foreign countries was also based on the country’s international and historical relations.
For instance, Morocco didn’t accept aid from France, and although the country didn’t release an official statement on the particular reason for declining the aid, it seems like the history of complex relations between the two countries played a huge role in taking this decision. Decisions like this have a huge impact on organizations operating with victims and working on disaster reliefs, but directly affect the victims and survivors themselves.
Interview with Basma Ambassadors, local Mororccan NGO
We talked to Maryam Saidi, co-founder of “Basma Ambassadors”, an organization that was present during the relief action plans in Morocco following the earthquake. Through her NGO, she responded in a remarkable way to the earthquake, by actively engaging to present aid to the affected victims. By working with local NGOs, they were able to overcome challenges such as selecting the recipient villages, managing transport issues and recruiting volunteers to ensure effective aid distribution.
This experience reinforced the importance of NGOs coordination in times of crisis. Moreover, Maryam’s collaboration with the members of her team has encouraged the involvement of local communities in donations. This charity work has not only transformed her own life by bringing personal growth, optimism and community connection, but has also inspired others to get involved in humanitarian actions.
How Can We Help ?
Many might wonder “how can we help ?”
Donating to established organizations like the Red Cross and UNICEF can be an immediate way to extend support. These groups, alongside local Moroccan NGOs, are tirelessly working on the frontlines, ensuring that survivors receive necessary aid. But beyond financial contributions, we can harness the power of our digital platforms.
Sharing first hand stories, updates, and vetted information not only raises awareness but also galvanizes global action. Those close to the affected regions have an opportunity to volunteer on the ground, while those farther away can champion virtual fundraising campaigns or awareness drives. Importantly, as the news cycle moves on, our commitment shouldn’t waver. Staying informed about ongoing recovery efforts will be vital to the country’s long-term rehabilitation.
In this article we reflected on the profound impact natural disasters could have on populations and the need for plans of action when it comes to intervention and humanitarian aid. We featured an interview with a local social worker who shared insights on the needs for the affected communities and how organizations can make meaningful impact in times of natural disasters. Our piece urges the constant commitment to these causes and highlights the value of sustainable aid.
Do you want to help ? Donate to this account created by the government to collect the donations : https://www.bkam.ma/Actualites/2023/Faites-vos-dons-au-fonds-special
What would you have done if you were involved in a similar situation ? Comment below !
About this article
This article has been written by a student on the Grenoble Ecole de Management’s Advanced Masters in Digital Strategy Management. As part of a content creation assignment, students are given the task of writing articles based on their digital interests and disseminating the articles online. Articles are marked but we make minimal changes to the content. Thanks for reading! James Barisic, Programme Director, MS DSM.
