On September 8, 2023, a powerful earthquake in Morocco led to nearly 3,000 deaths and extensive displacement. USAID/BHA and partners provided critical emergency support, including shelter and sanitation services. Organizations like IFRC and MRCS continued their efforts into 2024, addressing immediate needs while implementing transitional housing solutions and WASH facilities to aid communities affected by this disaster.
On September 8, 2023, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck central Morocco, resulting in 2,946 fatalities and nearly 5,700 injuries. The hardest-hit areas were Al Haouz Province in the Marrakech-Safi Region and Taroudant Province in the Souss-Massa Region. More than 500,000 individuals were displaced, and nearly 60,000 houses were damaged or destroyed during the initial response period from September 8 to 14, 2023.
In response to the ongoing humanitarian needs in the affected regions, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) provided support throughout 2024. Efforts included offering first aid in community shelters, distributing essential relief items, and implementing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Survivors faced continued vulnerability due to extensive shelter loss, remaining in open areas and makeshift shelters as of September 2024.
USAID/BHA allocated over $970,000 in FY 2023 and FY 2024 to address humanitarian needs in the earthquake-affected areas, with a focus on emergency shelter and WASH services. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), with USAID/BHA support, distributed emergency materials and improved infrastructure towards better flood protection and drainage, among other efforts.
Despite these initiatives, many families struggled to repair their shelters due to high construction costs and a lack of skilled oversight. In response, IFRC initiated the installation of Transitional Shelter Units (TSUs) to fulfill medium-term housing needs, successfully placing 169 units across the affected regions by June 2024.
Relief efforts included the distribution of hygiene kits, kitchen sets, and dignity kits targeting women and girls. IFRC also provided critical WASH support by constructing essential facilities and educating communities on effective WASH usage, aiming to enhance sanitary conditions for the earthquake-affected populations.
The Moroccan Red Crescent Society (MRCS) contributed to the response by assisting evacuation efforts, providing medical transportation, and supporting needy individuals with emergency supplies. MRCS ensured proper management of dignified burials and offered first aid and psychosocial support during the crisis.
On September 8, 2023, a significant earthquake centered in central Morocco caused widespread devastation, resulting in substantial loss of life and displacement of individuals. This disaster catalyzed a massive humanitarian response, primarily addressing shelter and sanitation needs. Subsequently, USAID/BHA and other collaborating organizations undertook initiatives to aid recovery in the most severely affected regions, focusing on both immediate relief and long-term restoration efforts.
The earthquake in Morocco has left a lingering impact, with significant humanitarian needs still present in the affected regions. Organizations such as USAID/BHA and IFRC have actively provided essential support through emergency shelter, WASH services, and community-based aid programs. Continued efforts are vital to ensure recovery and rebuilding phases are effectively implemented as families strive to regain stability following the disaster.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
