H&M Foundation provides USD 250,000 in emergency relief after Morocco earthquake

In response to the devastating earthquake that has taken place in Morocco, the H&M Foundation supports the Red Cross/Red Crescent in their response to this disaster.

On 8 September, at 11:11 pm local time, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit central Morocco. Its epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, southwest of Marrakesh city. This is considered the most powerful earthquake in a century to strike Morocco. The number of fatalities is expected to rise as an unknown number of people are still under collapsed buildings, waiting for rescue. It is estimated that 6.6 million people will be affected.

“Our thoughts are with those impacted by this terrible disaster. We at H&M Foundation wanted to show our support and solidarity to the people of Morocco with this donation, that will support the aid relief efforts of the Red Cross Red Crescent in Morocco.”

- Karl-Johan Persson, board member H&M Foundation

The Moroccan Red Crescent (MRCS) have been on the ground since the very beginning. Teams are supporting local and national authorities in the search and rescue operation, also in hard-to-reach areas (mountainous areas). The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) together with the partner national societies such as the Swedish Red Cross aim to support the Moroccan Red Crescent Society (MRCS) in the response to this earthquake.

Emergency efforts targeting 500,000 people include:

• Integrated assistance such as in-kind relief items (food, household items), cash programming and shelter.
• Access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene service (WaSH).
• Health well as healthcare and emergency medical assistance including mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).
• Restoring family links and community-based protection activities for unaccompanied and separated children, and other persons with special needs.

To learn more about the disaster relief efforts led by the Red Cross/Red Crescent, please visit their website.

Jasmina Sofić
Media Relations Responsible
+46 8 796 55 00
jasmina.sofic@hmfoundation.com

H&M Foundation is privately funded by the Stefan Persson family, founders and main owners of the H&M Group. We use philanthropic resources to find, fund and facilitate disruptive innovations, initiatives and research that enable a socially inclusive and planet positive textile industry. To accelerate the transformation, we take on a holistic and open approach – bringing diverse partners together to co-create, and to share learnings and solutions. The H&M Foundation can also provide emergency relief. For more information visit hmfoundation.com.

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