The Sovereign Order of Malta was mobilized in the early hours following the terrible disaster that occurred in the Marrakech region on the night of September 8th to 9th, 2023.

The Prince and Grand Master, H.M.E.H. Fra’ John Dunlap, immediately extended His condolences and prayers to His Majesty the King and the Moroccan People, along with the Order’s readiness to provide relief and humanitarian assistance.

Through its local network, the Order promptly deployed on the ground to aid the victims and their families.

Sophie de Puyraimond, Minister Counselor, visited the site with a team of specialists from Malteser International.

Through Caritas or local organizations already present before the tragedy, the Sovereign Order of Malta promptly offered and delivered high-quality food and durable infrastructure to the affected villages.

Tents, mattresses, blankets, sanitation facilities… equipment selected in response to the needs expressed by local authorities and designed to endure throughout the lengthy reconstruction period ahead.

Thus, the Order directly contributed to providing decent housing for several hundred people. An Embassy delegate remained on-site for 2 months to ensure the deployment of aid, coordinate actions, and welcome diplomats and various specialists mobilized from several countries.

The Ambassador consistently led a crisis unit in close collaboration with Sophie de Puyraimond, Minister Counselor, Pr. Claude Griscelli, Scientific Conselor, and Diego Hidalgo, counselor.

The Order remains vigilant and will continue to support the affected populations in the long term.