An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale (one of the strongest in recent decades) struck Morocco, killing more than 2,800 people and injuring more than 5,000. The epicenter was recorded in the High Atlas Mountains, some 71 kilometres south-west of the city of Marrakech. Specialized teams, which promptly arrived on the scene, reported a scene of total devastation, with roads blocked and villages completely destroyed. In the epicenter area, in fact, many houses were built using traditional High Atlas methods, i.e., with mud bricks, and collapsed under the tremors of the earthquake.
The earthquake threw the local population into despair and frustration, especially when it became increasingly difficult to rescue any survivors as time went on.
Thus, the Salesians of Portugal and Cape Verde, through "Missão Dom Bosco", immediately committed themselves to help and support humanitarian efforts. The intention is to help the earthquake-stricken population directly on the spot. The donations they receive will be sent to Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, SDB, Archbishop of Rabat, who will manage them in synergy with the local diocesan Caritas. All funds collected will be used to provide immediate aid to the victims of this natural disaster.
"What is worrying now are the victims, the many injured and the structural damage to buildings, even in small villages," Cardinal López Romero explained.
To participate in the donations, a special page has been opened on the website of the Salesians of Portugal (https://www.salesianos.pt/missaodombosco/donativos/) with all the necessary indications to contribute, and with the e-mail address (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to which one can contact to find out more.
