Islamic relief reports:
Over 560 People Feared Dead, 300 Injured in Morocco Earthquake A devastating earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale hit the northeastern part of Morocco around dawn on Tuesday near the tourist city Al Hoceima. Over 560 people are feared dead, and 300 injured in the worst natural disaster to hit the country in more than 40 years. In Al Hoceima, a fishing port and beach resort of about 70,000 people, damage was limited but authorities were trying to cope with the dead, injured and homeless from nearby areas. Six villages, including Imzouren and Bani Hadifa, with a combined population of well over 30,000, have been badly affected. Also badly hit is the town of Ait Kamra, which a spokesman says has been completely destroyed. Many of the homes which collapsed were older, and made of mud bricks; although the recently-constructed brick buildings also could not withstand the earthquake. Tuesday’s earthquake was followed by hundreds of subsequent aftershocks that caused panic among survivors and was expected on Wednesday to drive them to sleep outside for a second straight night. The area around Al Hoceima continued to experience aftershocks on Wednesday, including one at mid-day that measured 5.2 on the Richter scale. According to the Red Crescent, local health facilities do not have the capacity to deal with the number of arriving casualties. Islamic Relief Action The president of Islamic Relief France office is already in Morocco to assess the situation. Islamic Relief France is preparing to send in-kind relief materials consisting of shoes, blankets and hygiene kits in conjunction with other French non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Islamic Relief Worldwide has already made contact on the ground, and will soon develop strategies to assist the victims in the most efficient manner. Islamic Relief Worldwide has already allocated $250,000 for emergency relief and is launching a campaign to raise $1.25 million to help support the victims of the earthquake. Islamic Relief USA is urgently appealing to our donors to help the victims of the devastating earthquake in Morocco. Do not let them down. Please rush your donation today. CONTACT: Islamic Relief USA 1919 W Magnolia Blvd Burbank, CA 91506 (888) 479-4968 [email protected] www.irw.org Tax ID#: 95-4453134Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.