On September 8, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake devastated central Morocco, resulting in nearly 3,000 fatalities and displacing over 500,000 individuals. In 2024, USAID/BHA continued its support for recovery efforts, providing essential shelter and WASH services. Various organizations, including IFRC and MRCS, are actively engaged in offering emergency supplies, shelter support, and medical assistance to affected communities, addressing both immediate and long-term needs.
On September 8, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco, resulting in 2,946 deaths and nearly 5,700 injuries, particularly affecting the Al Haouz and Taroudant provinces. The disaster displaced over 500,000 individuals and damaged around 60,000 homes, as reported by the Government of Morocco and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
In 2024, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) continued to aid earthquake recovery in the affected provinces. Their efforts included providing first aid in temporary shelters, distributing relief supplies, and offering water, sanitation, and hygiene services to strengthen ongoing humanitarian support following the earthquake.
With contributions exceeding $970,000 during Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024, USAID/BHA and its partners addressed urgent humanitarian needs in severely affected communities. This assistance encompassed emergency shelter and WASH services, essential for helping survivors cope with the aftermath of the disaster.
IFRC delivered immediate shelter support in Marrakech-Safi by providing emergency materials for roof repairs and enhancing flood protection infrastructure. However, shelter shortages persisted as families faced demolition and construction challenges, prompting IFRC to install 169 Transitional Shelter Units across target communities to meet medium-term housing needs.
By June 2024, IFRC reached nearly 23,200 individuals with relief items, including hygiene and kitchen kits. Additionally, they constructed WASH facilities, such as latrines and water points, and provided education on the effective use of these resources, further enhancing public health and safety.
The Moroccan Red Crescent Society (MRCS) played a crucial role in the response by evacuating individuals from damaged areas, managing burials, and supplying emergency relief items like tents and blankets. Their efforts complemented those of USAID/BHA, enhancing the overall humanitarian response in the region.
On September 8, 2023, Morocco experienced a catastrophic 6.8 magnitude earthquake that greatly affected the central regions, particularly Al Haouz and Taroudant provinces. With such a high toll on human life and property, significant international humanitarian efforts emerged to address the urgent needs of the displaced and affected populations. USAID/BHA’s continued support throughout 2024 highlights ongoing recovery efforts to address the long-term impacts of the disaster. The earthquake’s aftermath posed significant challenges for the inhabitants residing in the affected areas, who required shelter solutions, sanitation, and essential commodities. As technical and financial barriers hindered reconstruction, assistance from global partners became crucial to assist vulnerable communities to improve their living conditions. The involvement of local organizations such as IFRC and MRCS emphasized the collaborative approach to disaster recovery.
In conclusion, the earthquake that struck central Morocco on September 8, 2023, led to a tragic loss of life and widespread destruction. In response, significant humanitarian efforts have been initiated, notably by USAID/BHA and partners, to provide shelter, WASH services, and other critical support to those affected. The ongoing recovery activities underscore the importance of international collaboration in addressing the needs of disaster-affected communities, ensuring their resilience and recovery, while emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
