A person sits among wreckage caused by an earthquake in the town of Imi N'tala, outside Marrakech, Morocco, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. A Canadian aid worker in Morocco says he's seen scenes of "complete destruction" in the wake of a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that has killed more than 2,900 people and left many more injured or homeless. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Mosa'ab Elshamy
MONTREAL – The federal government says it will match donations to the Canadian Red Cross over the next two weeks to help Morocco recover from a devastating earthquake.
International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen says every donation to the Red Cross made by individuals from Sept. 8 to 28 will be matched by the government, to a maximum of $3 million.
Global Affairs Canada says the money will help the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement deliver life-saving services, such as emergency food, water, emergency cash and vouchers, and sanitation and health services.
Another $2 million in federal assistance will go toward immediate needs.
The magnitude 6.8 earthquake had caused more than 2,900 deaths and several thousand injuries as of Tuesday.
Global Affairs Canada says it is in close contact with Moroccan authorities and humanitarian partners to respond to evolving needs.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2023.
