In the last six days, two major disasters have hit in North Africa.

On 8 September, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit central Morocco, close to Marrakesh. Almost 3000 people have been reported killed, and over 5000 are still missing.

People are trapped under their collapsed homes, and many others are on the streets, their homes destroyed or unsafe to return to. The historic old city of Marrakesh has been badly damaged. On Monday, RedR UK launched an appeal to support engineers in early recovery, ensuring those affected can return to safe homes with their families.

Following the devastating floods on Sunday in the city of Derna, Libya, prompted by the collapse of two dams in a powerful storm, more than 5300 people are known to have died. At least 10,000 people are reported missing, while 30,000 people are estimated to have lost their homes. We've broadened our Morocco Earthquake Appeal to launch the Morocco and Libya Disaster Relief Fund, to meet needs in Libya also.

How RedR UK can help

With your support, we are ready to deploy technical expertise on rapid seismic damage assessments, structural detailing, and a range of related topics in Morocco. This will support engineers as they assess damaged homes to repair and rebuild, ensuring that families can confidently return to safe and secure homes, even after earthquake damage. Our engineers and trainers are on stand-by to support colleagues in Morocco with the specific technical expertise they need to respond quickly and effectively.

RedR UK has played a crucial role responding to the February earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, training more than 500 engineers to date on technical and non-technical humanitarian topics. We also draw on our prior work in structural detailing and damage assessments in Iraq and Syria.

To respond in Libya, we'll be drawing on our experience in the region, contextual insights, and recent work on the 2022 floods in Pakistan to provide capacity development and support to local responders. This emergency response will provide technical expertise to local partners, enabling them to respond effectively, inclusively, and sustainably to this devastating flood.

Give now to make a difference

The early days of a response make the biggest life-saving difference.

Give now to ensure that vital expertise in technical and humanitarian action can help to alleviate suffering in Morocco and Libya.

You can add a note to your donation if you would like it to be allocated to Morocco or Libya specifically, or don't specify if you would like your gift to be used in either or both.

Thank you for your generous support.

Photo: WHO Libya.