September 8, 2023, will remain engraved in the memory of Moroccans. A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 shook the nation, originating in the High Atlas mountain range. The consequences are disastrous: nearly 3,000 dead and 5,530 injured. The city of Marrakech, though relatively spared, still bears the scars of this catastrophe, while the High Atlas villages are heavily affected. Reconstruction is estimated at 12 million dollars. Faced with this imperative, how can each contribute to the reconstruction effort?
Donate Now: Your Contribution Makes a Difference
One of the most direct ways to assist Morocco in this difficult time is to make a donation. The Bank of Morocco has opened a dedicated account to collect funds that will be used for the reconstruction of the affected areas and assistance to earthquake victims. Every contribution counts, and the union of all will gather the necessary sums to help the affected communities recover.
Travel with Purpose: Boost Morocco’s Recovery
The affected region is also a renowned tourist area. By choosing to travel to this region, you contribute to the revitalization of the local economy. Tourism revenue will play a crucial role in reconstruction and allow residents to regain a normal life more quickly.
Choose Moroccan: Support Local Production and Craftsmanship
In this difficult juncture, it is crucial to adopt strong gestures of solidarity towards Morocco. One of them is to prefer Moroccan products in your purchases. Whether it’s food, automotive, or artisanal products, every purchase counts to support the local economy in this reconstruction period.
Food:
Opt for tomatoes, citrus fruits, or sardines from Morocco during your food purchases. Argan oil, a flagship product of the region, is another excellent option to support local producers.
Automotive:
If you are considering buying a car, why not choose a model made in Morocco? Vehicles such as Dacia Sandero, Logan, Duster, Lodgy, and Spring, or the Peugeot 208 II (only in thermal version) and the Citroën Ami are assembled in the country, and purchasing them contributes to supporting the local automotive industry.
Artisanal:
For those who have the opportunity to visit Morocco, purchasing local artisanal items is a concrete way to support the country’s artisans. By favoring locally made items such as rugs, ceramics, or leather goods, you not only contribute to economic revitalization, but also to the preservation of Moroccan cultural and artisanal heritage.
In the face of the severity of the situation, every gesture counts. Making a donation or supporting local tourism are two concrete and effective ways to help Morocco overcome this ordeal. By uniting our forces, we can help our Moroccan friends rebuild and move forward after this tragedy.