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It is a scene that has sadly become familiar: rescuers racing to comb through rubble to find survivors. On Friday, a powerful earthquake struck Morocco. By Tuesday, the death toll had surpassed 2,900 people and as many have been reported injured. The United Nations estimates that 300,000 people were impacted by the earthquake.
The 6.8 magnitude earthquake was the strongest to hit the region in more than a century. It was centered about 50 miles southwest of Marrakesh. The hardest hit areas are among the country’s poorest, with many homes lacking electricity and running water.
There was more tragic news out of North Africa this week as flood waters devastated parts of Libya, leaving an estimated 10,000 people missing and feared dead.
Although Morocco is far from Maine, it has a strong connection to the Pine Tree States. The University of New England, which is based in Biddeford, has a campus in Tangier, in the north of Morocco.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to those in Morocco who were affected by this natural disaster. We extend our deepest sympathies to those who have suffered losses or hardships as a result of the earthquake,” UNE President James Herbert said in a statement on Saturday.
“We have formed deep ties with the country of Morocco over the past decade. Our students do not just travel to Morocco; they are invested in the country’s communities,” Herbert also said in the statement. “Through clinical work, volunteer opportunities, home stays, and more, our students come to Morocco not just to study abroad — they intend to make an impact during their time there.”
Two UNE students who shared their experiences with the Portland Press Herald had already donated blood to help victims of the earthquake.
“For me, and for a lot of us, our first thought is what can we do to help, or just to not be a burden at least,” Amaya West told the newspaper in a phone interview.
The 20-year-old from Connecticut and other UNE students were scheduled to take a trip to Marrakesh, near the epicenter of the quake, but the trip has been postponed. Now, the students say they want to ensure they can be helpful. West credited people on the UNE campus for helping students and faculty in Tangier find ways to help victims of the earthquake.
On a typical Saturday the streets of Tangier are busy and crowded, UNE junior Jack Hooker, told the paper. The day after the quake, the streets were empty, he said.
“Everyone is in shock and everyone is mourning all the lost ones,” Hooker, who is from Massachusetts, said in a telephone interview from the UNE campus in Morocco. Even though students in Tangier were not physically impacted, “we are all affected emotionally. It was hard. It was heavy yesterday.”
For those in the U.S. who want to help, many charities are collecting donations for rescue and relief efforts in Morocco. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is coordinating with their counterparts in Morocco. UNICEF is also helping with relief efforts, with a focus on children. Relief efforts will also soon be underway in Libya and financial support will be needed for that work as well.
Numerous other organizations are also helping. CharityWatch and Charity Navigator allow potential donors to evaluate U.S.-based organizations before you make a donation.
