Comprehensive Overview of Morocco’s Earthquake Response Efforts, January 2025

In September 2023, Morocco experienced a devastating earthquake resulting in 2,946 deaths and displacing over 500,000 people. USAID and partners responded with humanitarian aid to support relief efforts including shelter, water, and sanitation services. By 2024, ongoing initiatives aimed to address both immediate needs and medium-term housing solutions, while significant challenges persisted in recovery efforts.

In September 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco, causing significant casualties and damage. The disaster resulted in nearly 2,946 fatalities and close to 5,700 injuries, primarily affecting the Marrakech-Safi Region. Over 500,000 individuals were displaced, and around 60,000 houses suffered damage or destruction, necessitating urgent humanitarian assistance from various organizations including USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA).
During 2024, USAID/BHA continued its support for earthquake response efforts, focusing on humanitarian relief in Al Haouz, Chichaoua, and Taroudant provinces. Initiatives included providing first aid in community shelters and distributing essential supplies such as water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Many survivors are still in vulnerable conditions, having sought temporary shelter in makeshift accommodations after losing their homes.
In collaboration with the Government of Morocco, USAID/BHA allocated over $970,000 in humanitarian aid to address urgent needs in earthquake-affected communities. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) played a pivotal role by offering shelter solutions, distributing emergency materials, and enhancing infrastructures to protect against flooding, while also providing necessary winterization support to help families cope with harsh weather conditions.
As part of its ongoing efforts, IFRC supplied relief commodities to nearly 23,200 individuals in Marrakech-Safi and distributed specialized kits to meet the needs of women and girls affected by the earthquake. Moreover, they improved local water and sanitation infrastructure, focusing on building latrines and water points, alongside conducting educational initiatives on the effective use of WASH facilities.
The Moroccan Red Crescent Society (MRCS) also contributed significantly, providing first aid, evacuation support, and distribution of emergency supplies such as blankets and hygiene kits. Their assistance extended to managing dignified burials and psychosocial support for those impacted by the earthquake, demonstrating a strong community response to an ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The earthquake that struck Morocco on September 8, 2023, resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, impacting multiple regions significantly. In the aftermath, international and local entities mobilized to provide emergency response and recovery efforts. Major humanitarian organizations, like USAID and IFRC, focused their resources on immediate relief and support for displaced populations, addressing both physical and psychological needs of the affected communities. As rebuilding efforts continued, challenges persisted due to high construction costs and a lack of skilled labor, complicating the recovery process.

In conclusion, Morocco’s recovery from the September 2023 earthquake highlights the urgent need for comprehensive humanitarian response and assistance. Efforts by USAID/BHA and partners like IFRC and MRCS have been vital in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by affected populations. While immediate needs such as shelter, food, and sanitation have seen significant support, the long-term recovery requires sustained efforts and resources to rebuild communities and provide continued assistance to vulnerable individuals.

Original Source: reliefweb.int