Richard Branson Delivers Aid to Morocco Earthquake Victims

In the aftermath of the earthquake, Richard Branson says he flew to the affected areas with a cargo loaded with supplies, including sleeping bags, tents and inflatable mattresses, which were generously funded by donations from Virgin Unite and Virgin Limited Edition. Virgin Unite is also providing assistance to the victims of the earthquake through the Eve Branson Foundation, which is working tirelessly to meet the immediate needs of families in the region, providing them with essential items such as food, drinking water, medicine and shelter, he said on his blog. The Openstreetmap humanitarian team, supported by Virgin Unite, is also playing its part by mapping remote and unexplored areas of Morocco, "so that first responders and relief agencies can reach the rural populations in need." The British billionaire says he was impressed by the courage of the earthquake survivors, those who "have experienced unimaginable horrors."

"As we distributed goods in half a dozen villages, the calm and patience of the residents were striking - everyone was waiting to ensure that the supplies were distributed fairly. The warmth and hospitality of the Berber people are truly unique. I was stunned to see people who had lost everything mobilize to ensure that everyone else was welcomed and treated with a smile and kindness," he says, referring to the case of a man who lost his aunt and cousin, who was his closest friend; of a 13-year-old boy, an orphan who had lost his mother and father. Richard Branson and his team have focused on the immediate needs of the population. "With winter just weeks away, the team wants to ensure that the mountain communities have the supplies they need to stay warm and protected, including basic items like crates to keep their tents off the frozen ground," he says.

The epicenter of the earthquake was near the villages surrounding the Eve Branson Foundation and the Kasbah Tamadot hotel. "As for the Kasbah Tamadot, it was also impacted by the earthquake, but fortunately it was solidly built and we avoided anyone being injured. Our wonderful team has already started work to restore this magical place. The hundreds of Berbers who have worked at the Kasbah Tamadot over the years are the sweetest, kindest and most caring people," says Richard Branson, before expressing his optimism for the future of the establishment: "[...] And we will come back stronger than ever."