Denmark is sending millions for emergency relief efforts following an earthquake in Morocco

Denmark is contributing 7.5 million Danish kroner to the emergency relief effort in Morocco after a devastating earthquake struck the areas around the Atlas Mountains and the cities of Marrakesh and Agadir on Friday.

As of Tuesday, there have been reports of more than 2,800 casualties and over 2,500 injuries, with WHO estimating that around 300,000 people are affected by the situation.

-“Morocco is currently going through an extremely tough time. The humanitarian situation is critical, especially in the mountainous and remote regions. I am therefore pleased that Denmark can now support the emergency relief efforts initiated by the Moroccans themselves. With our contribution, we support the important work of the Moroccan Red Crescent, including providing first aid, tents, and assistance to affected communities,” said Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Dan Jørgensen.

This support comes after the Moroccan government recently officially approved assistance from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Federation (IFRC). Danish assistance will go through IFRC and support their relief efforts, including first aid, support for health clinics, and the transportation of the injured. The effort will also focus on providing assistance to help earthquake victims recover from the disaster, including cash aid for rebuilding homes and psychological first aid.

At the same time, approximately 600,000 Danish kroner from Denmark’s existing cooperation with the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Morocco will be redirected to provide shelter and assistance to vulnerable children who have been separated from their parents due to the earthquake.