The earthquake in Morocco and the floods in Libya caused great suffering within a very short period of time in the last few days. Swiss Solidarity wants to help. But while fundraising has started in Morocco, the foundation is currently unable to take action in Libya. A conversation with the media spokeswoman about the situation on site.
SRF News: Two terrible disasters in quick succession. How does Swiss Solidarity react?
Judith Schuler: When the earth shook in Morocco on Saturday, we first had to see which partner organizations we had on site and how they could help. That’s why we couldn’t start the appeal for donations until Monday. Then came the floods in Libya – and we realized that we had no partners on site. But it doesn’t work without them, because we don’t talk about any money until we know how it will be used. And even afterwards, control of the flow of money must be ensured.
Winter in the mountains of Morocco is coming soon. People need help now.
Who do you work with then?
We have a total of 25 partner organizations. These include larger and smaller Swiss NGOs – but the project management is always carried out from Switzerland. In Morocco we are currently working with the Christian Peace Service (CFD) and Médecins du Monde. They provide water, blankets and tents. We are also in contact with the Directorate for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Other Swiss NGOs are currently clarifying how they can provide help.
Legend:
Children in the town of Amizmiz, which was badly damaged by the earthquake (09/14/23).
AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy
Where is the need greatest?
Especially in the remote mountain regions. The access roads there are difficult to pass. At the moment it is still a matter of ensuring emergency aid. The second phase will then be about ensuring that the vital infrastructure, such as water and electricity supplies, is restored. If the funds are available, we can also participate in reconstruction in the longer term – as was the case in Nepal in 2015. In general, it is important that help arrives quickly now, because winter is coming soon. In the next few weeks, additional emergency accommodation will be needed in addition to the existing tents.
Morocco’s decision not to ask Switzerland for help does not affect our work.
Switzerland is not one of the countries that Morocco has asked for help. Why not?
Many countries have made offers to Morocco, and some have responded immediately. Switzerland has focused its offer on the second phase and is therefore still waiting for an answer. However, it is important to me to emphasize that this decision by the Moroccan government does not hinder our work.
How did the fundraising start?
Unfortunately, given the enormous needs on site, not yet. On the one hand, this certainly had to do with the fact that we were only able to start our call with a delay. Experience has shown that people always want to help quickly when such events occur. On the other hand, the lack of clarity regarding the report that Morocco had not asked Switzerland for help certainly also played a role. I would like to repeat: This decision does not affect our work.
What is the situation in Libya?
The situation around the city of Darna, where a dam burst, is very difficult. Because we have no partner organizations in the country, we cannot provide any help at the moment. But that can change; several organizations are in the process of making clarifications. If there are approaches, we could also fall back on our emergency aid fund, which was created for such situations.
The interview was conducted by Patrick McEvily.
Legend:
Swiss Solidarity collects money for the victims in Morocco.
SRF