IFAW Morocco response FAQ

What happened? 

On 8 September 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck south of Marrakesh, Morocco. Thousands of people have reportedly died or been injured by the quake. 

What is IFAW doing? 

IFAW is supporting local licensed non-governmental organisation L'Arche de Noé (Ark of Noah) with an emergency grant to purchase animal food for affected families and veterinary supplies to treat injured dogs, cats, and equids in the field as well as those who require surgery at their veterinary clinic. 

We are reviewing additional urgent support requests and will help where we are needed most. 

Please check our website and social channels for the latest updates on Morocco and our evolving role in recovery.

Is IFAW deploying a team to Morocco? 

At this time, we are not deploying a team to respond on the ground in Morocco. 

I heard Morocco has declined aid from certain countries. Can IFAW still help? 

IFAW is in contact with both national and local authorities as well as rescue and veterinary non-governmental organisations (NGOs) licensed to work in Morocco. We are working to support organisations already active in the disaster zones and able to accept external aid.

Our emergency response efforts operate with the invitation and approval of local authorities. IFAW does not self-deploy nor enter into disaster zones without prior authorisation and approval. 

How can I help? 

IFAW is preparing to rush emergency aid to where our help is needed most in Morocco. We work closely with our partners’ teams and supporters to ensure we have emergency funds ready to be sent when and where urgently needed.  

At the moment, repairing critical infrastructure and human search and rescue is ongoing, and we are working with local contacts to determine how we can best support their efforts. 

What’s next? 

As we were during our response to the earthquake that struck Turkey and northwestern Syria, IFAW is committed to building resilience in communities impacted by disasters. The rescue and care of animals in crisis drives much of what we do after a disaster strikes, but our goal is that the organisations and communities with which we partner become more resilient to disasters as they work with us.