Around 11 pm on Friday September 8th, the strongest earthquake in more than a century struck Morocco. Moha Bouacha grew up in Timoulilt, a small village at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Moha says that while his village suffered some damage, villages higher and deeper in the mountains were devastated. Over 3,000 people died and 5,500 injured. Some villages were reduced to rubble and 80% of their population perished. According to a UN report, 50,000 homes were destroyed and 300,000 people were affected in the three regions close to the epicenter, including the historical cities of Marrakech and Taroudant.
While Moha was President of the Belvidere, IL Rotary Club, he began a relationship between the club and Timoulilt Association for Development (ATD), an NGO in Timoulilt, Morocco. ATD is focused on the socio-economic development of Timoulilt and its region. They have partnered on projects with The Rotary Foundation on a Global Grant administered by the Rotary Clubs of Casablanca and Belvidere; USAID and the European Union and many other International aid organizations.
Here is a video recapping early earthquake relief efforts conducted by ATD shortly after the quake.Donations to support long term recovery efforts organized by ATD can be made here.
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/winnetka-northfield-rotary-charitable-foundation/morocco-earthquake-relief