Azura donates €1.5m to Moroccan earthquake relief

Moroccan tomato producer Azura Group has donated a whopping €1.5 million to relief efforts in the wake of the devasting earthquake that hit the country on 8 September.

Of that, €1m has been given to a special government fund created under the instruction of King Mohammed VI of Morocco, while the remaining £500,000 will be used to support various NGO projects related to the disaster.

On 8 September a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, 70 kilometres from Marrakesh, and according to the British Red Cross, humanitarian needs are growing.

According to the Moroccan government, the death toll has now surpassed 3,000 and thousands more were injured.

While aid is reaching more isolated regions, obstructed roads continue to cause logistical hurdles. Many people are in desperate need of clean water, food and shelter.

The British Red Cross reported that there are continued struggles to reach remote areas of the High Atlas Mountains with heavy machinery, with rescuers warning that the window for finding survivors is closing.

“On behalf of the entire Azura Family, we extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims affected by the earthquake,” the company said. “Our prayers go out to all those who have been affected by this tragedy.”

Fortunately, the earthquake had no direct impact on Azura’s operations or staff.

Created in 1988, Azura is a family group of Franco-Moroccan origin producing tomatoes, as well as herbs, edible flowers, and clams. The group has become a major player in tomato production, with 16,000 employees, 50 production sites and almost 1,000 hectares of tomato crops. It is an important supplier to the UK market, among others.