For Immediate Release
Office of Press Relations
press@usaid.gov
Statement by Administrator Samantha Power
The United States offers our deepest condolences to the people of Morocco as they grapple with the devastation caused by the catastrophic earthquake on September 8, the worst to hit the country in over a century. Thousands of people have lost their lives, and many more are injured or in need of shelter and other life-saving support.
The United States is committed to supporting the Government of Morocco’s recovery efforts, as Morocco works to provide immediate, life-saving humanitarian assistance to those in need.
In the hours following the earthquake, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) deployed a small assessment team to Morocco to support local responders assessing the situation and identifying humanitarian needs. Based on those early assessments and in support of the Government of Morocco’s leadership of the humanitarian response to this tragedy, the United States, through USAID, will make available up to $1 million in initial humanitarian assistance to support people in the areas most affected by the earthquake and its aftershocks.
This funding will help organizations on the ground provide emergency food assistance, health services, shelter, and mental health and psychosocial resources to assist the Moroccan-led response. The United States is also sharing specialized technical expertise directly with the Moroccan government to bolster its ongoing emergency response. We stand ready to provide further support if requested by the Moroccan government.
In the wake of the earthquake and its aftershocks, we have seen tremendous bravery and compassion from people doing everything they can to offer help. Neighbors have come together to rush food and water to families who have lost their homes. First responders have spent hours searching for those still trapped. Citizens have stood in long lines to donate blood.
USAID appreciates the outpouring of generosity and compassion from individuals seeking to help the people of Morocco in these efforts. We encourage cash donations to reputable organizations on the ground that are working closely with affected communities and know what people need most. For more information on how to support the people of Morocco, please visit the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI).