A Canadian aid worker in Morocco has witnessed scenes of “complete destruction” following a 6.8-magnitude earthquake. The earthquake has resulted in the deaths of over 2,900 people and has left many others injured and homeless. Hassaan Sheikh, from Islamic Relief Canada, and his team are providing aid in villages near the earthquake’s epicenter. They are distributing blankets and mattresses to those affected while bodies are being extracted from the debris of collapsed homes.
According to Sheikh, the immediate needs of the Moroccan people include food, blankets, and hygiene products. In the long term, they will require the reconstruction of homes, roads, and critical infrastructure. Despite Ottawa not having received a formal request for assistance from Morocco, many Canadians are initiating efforts to support the North African country in its recovery.
In Montreal, which has a significant Moroccan community, mosques and businesses have begun organizing fundraisers and collection drives. Additionally, an online group has emerged to coordinate donations. The Quebec government has pledged $1.5 million to organizations assisting in Morocco, while major charities like Islamic Relief Canada and the Canadian Red Cross have launched fundraising campaigns.