A 6.8 magnitude earthquake on September 8, 2023, devastated Morocco, causing nearly 3,000 deaths and displacing over 500,000 individuals. USAID/BHA has allocated significant funding to aid in shelter and WASH services for the affected communities. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has installed Transitional Shelter Units and distributed essential items, although many families still face challenges in recovery and rebuilding.
On September 8, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco, causing significant devastation. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of 2,946 individuals and injured nearly 5,700 more, with the most severe impacts reported in Al Haouz and Taroudant provinces. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies indicated that over 500,000 people were displaced, and approximately 60,000 houses were either damaged or destroyed shortly after the quake.
In 2024, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) continued its support for earthquake response efforts. This included delivering first aid within community shelters and distributing relief supplies. The agency also focused on providing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for those impacted, as many survivors faced ongoing vulnerabilities due to inadequate shelter and harsh weather conditions.
In collaboration with the Government of Morocco, USAID/BHA allocated over $970,000 across FY 2023 and FY 2024 to address emergency shelter and WASH needs for earthquake-affected communities. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies provided immediate assistance in Marrakech-Safi, distributing materials for shelter repairs and enhancing local flood protection measures.
Despite these efforts, many families struggled to begin necessary repairs due to high construction costs. Consequently, ifrc initiated the installation of Transitional Shelter Units (TSUs) to provide medium-term housing solutions. By June 2024, 169 TSUs had been set up across affected communities, aiding those in Taroudant, Chichaoua, and El-Haouz.
The IFRC distributed essential relief items to nearly 23,200 individuals, including hygiene kits, kitchen supplies, and water containers. They also provided specific support for women and girls, delivering 4,041 dignity kits between late 2023 and mid-2024. WASH initiatives were implemented, which included constructing latrines and showers, along with community education on the effective use of these facilities.
The Moroccan Red Crescent Society (MRCS) played a vital role in the recovery efforts. They assisted in evacuating people from hazardous buildings, transported the injured to medical facilities, and managed burials. Their emergency relief actions provided blankets, hygiene kits, sleeping bags, and safety equipment to individuals impacted by the earthquake.
In the aftermath of a catastrophic 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco, considerable humanitarian needs emerged, particularly in the regions of Al Haouz and Taroudant. The earthquake not only resulted in a tragic loss of life but also displaced hundreds of thousands, severely affecting housing and infrastructure. The international response, led by organizations such as USAID and IFRC, focused on providing immediate relief and addressing long-term recovery needs, including shelter, WASH services, and psychosocial support.
The response to the Morocco earthquake has emphasized the critical need for emergency shelter and WASH services among the affected communities. Despite substantial humanitarian support, ongoing challenges such as high repair costs and the need for better infrastructure remain. Collaborations between international agencies and the Moroccan government are essential in addressing these challenges and ensuring the recovery and resilience of the impacted population.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
