Dublin Moroccan Atlas earthquake appeal

As many of you already know, I have been visiting Morocco in North Africa for many years now, primarily focusing on supporting a group of villages in the High Atlas Mountains. I am deeply saddened with the recent news that on Friday, the region we frequently visit was struck by a devastating earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale. The impact of this earthquake has been immense, and the affected communities are currently facing significant challenges. Sadly there has been deaths in some villages we travel through yearly on route and though we are very grateful that there was no deaths in the village we work in there has been extensive damage and men women and children are sleeping on the streets (Mountain paths) and fields, fearing aftershocksj. Today there was a 4.5 aftershock. Our primary concern at this time is to assess the extent of the damage and identify the most effective ways to provide assistance and support to those in the community we support. In light of this situation, it is crucial that we come together in solidarity. Obviously our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic event and we are monitoring the situation as best we can from here by maintaining close communication with local people. Next month October we are going out with a small medical team that was planned before the earthquake. We normally take a group of young people also in October but at present we are postponing that trip to a further date. I’m setting up this go fund me in order to provide firstly necessary supplies sent up to the village which is the highest village in the region and difficult to get to in normal times. Secondly support to the young people in the village who are overlooked at the best of time and I know will be traumatised by this dreadful experience. I would like to engage someone to do some therapeutic work in the classroom with the children. Also to insure we have adequate medical supplies for the villagers on our trip which will be more important now than ever. It is a very overwhelming situation and in some sense feels a bit like putting a bandaid on an open wound however I feel our continuity of support will be very important to those in the villages we work and our long term commitment will insure we will be able to punch well above our weight. Your kindness, compassion, and support are invaluable during this challenging time. Together, we can make a difference and help these communities recover and rebuild. Thank you for your continued support, and let us stand united in extending a helping hand to our friends in the High Atlas Mountains.