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IFAW responds to disasters in Morocco and Libya
September 21, 2023
When Storm Daniel hit the city of Derna on the northern coast of Libya earlier this month, it caused two dams to break, instantly flooding the city with a 20-foot wall of water. Most people in the affected area did not have time to prepare or protect themselves.
Thousands are reported dead, and many more are still missing. In addition to human casualties, a growing number of animals are suffering.
IFAW is working with two organisations, Libyan Wildlife Trust and Al-Haya Organization for the Protection of Wildlife and Marine Organisms, to identify critical unmet needs for animals and people in the impacted area.
For now, we will support the purchase and distribution of animal food and the cost of veterinary treatment for injured or sick animals.
The pain and suffering are immeasurable, but we believe in the power of unity. Together, we can make a difference for animals suffering in North Africa and around the world.
Satellite image of coastal road after floods in Derna, Libya on September 13, 2023. Photo: © Maxar Technologies, CC BY-NC
IFAW rushes aid to Morocco following earthquake
September 18, 2023
Communities across Morocco are still recovering and starting to rebuild following the devastating earthquake on 8 September 2023. Our contacts in Morocco have identified critical and unmet needs, and IFAW has issued emergency aid to NGO L'arche de Noé (Noah's Ark).
Our funds will support the purchase of animal food to be distributed to 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 in contact with additional potential partners to discuss how we can best support their work. When we’re not able to deploy ourselves, IFAW’s approach is to help the hardest hit communities through trusted relationships with our partners, who are licensed to respond on –the ground and already hard at work.
As the situation unfolds, updates on how IFAW is helping will be shared on this update page.
An L’Arche de Noé team member feeds a cat affected by the deadly earthquake in Morocco. Photo: © L’Arche de Noé
IFAW was on the ground in Morocco for several years (2017-2020), supporting the Born to be Wild project. The devastating disaster in Morocco happened just seven months after the deadly quake in Turkey-Syria where IFAW supported multiple partners and recovery efforts.
Deadly earthquake strikes near Marrakesh, Morocco
September 9, 2023
Just after 11:00 PM on Friday, 8 September 2023 a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco, killing or injuring thousands of people. Tremors and aftershocks were felt as far away as Rabat and Casablanca.
Residents living near the epicenter said they spent the rest of the night outside, in open spaces for fear of aftershocks. Assessments and human rescue efforts are just getting started as there are reports of families trapped in the rubble of their homes.
Our hearts and thoughts are with those impacted by the earthquake.
We're in contact with local agencies and partners and are standing by to support where needed most.
We will share updates as we know more.
People rescue a donkey trapped under rubble after an earthquake in the mountain village of Tafeghaghte, southwest of the city of Marrakesh, on September 9, 2023. Photo: Fadel Senna / © AFP via Getty Images
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