In the annals of history, September 8, 2023, will forever be etched in the collective memory of Morocco as the day the earth trembled; a day when the skeletons of homes crumbled and the souls of our brethren ascended to the heavens.

As the first light of dawn pierced through the somber aftermath, the once-vibrant rural landscapes stood transformed into a haunting sea of rubble where houses had once stood tall and imparted an exquisite charm to our countryside. From the majestic High Atlas Mountains to the serene provinces of Al Haouz and Taroudant, and from Chichaoua to the heart-wrenched Ouarzazate province - the echoes of suffering resonated far and wide.

Yet, amidst this devastating tableau, a symphony of Moroccan patriotism and communal spirit began to play. The afflicted families, their hearts heavy with loss, received sustenance in the form of nourishment, blankets, mattresses, and shelter. The ardor of this benevolence, however, was hindered by the daunting task of reaching the remote areas - marred by impassable roads strewn with colossal boulders. A day passed, and the local authorities cleared the path, rendering access to these beleaguered villages a possibility once more. It was then that the true extent of the devastation, both in terms of human lives and material wealth, began to reveal itself. In the midst of this desolation, the High Atlas Foundation mobilized to extend a lifeline to those in need.

The Foundation commenced its mission by reaching out to families who had once been beneficiaries of its programs - their hearts now burdened with unimaginable loss. With a sense of urgency, the Foundation embarked on a mission to secure vital supplies; filling trucks with the very essence of sustenance.

Trucks laden with provisions, solace, and warmth ventured forth daily, journeying to the four corners of afflicted regions. Amidst these vital operations, we bore witness to the poignant tales of those who had endured unfathomable loss. We encountered the young, bereft of families; parents, shattered by the loss of their offspring; and spouses, left to grapple with the absence of their beloved partners. After two months, more than 360 tons of food and other essential items have been delivered to nearly 15,000 families.

The earthquake had orphaned souls and widowed hearts, casting a shadow of sorrow over our land. Their anguished cries echoed through the valleys, a lament that touched our very core. They beseeched for aid, for a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that enveloped them. These people were not merely recipients of provisions, but embodiments of resilience. And their pain fueled our resolve to mend their fractured spirits.

The High Atlas Foundation understood that healing extended beyond physical nourishment. In the days that followed, we lent our ears to the harrowing tales of those who had lost homes, families, and livelihoods. It was with this intimate understanding that we embarked on a mission of solace - offering not just material succor, but psychosocial empowerment sessions to share the burden of sorrow. In the end, one voice among the many resonated, a poignant testament to the depths of their longing.

"We have become orphans here. You are our voice."

May this chronicle stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Morocco; a testament to the resilience that emerges from the crucible of tragedy. Let us remember that in our unity lies our strength, and in our compassion, the promise of a brighter dawn.