The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, on 8 September 2023, has left thousands still battling the absence of stable shelter, clean water, and essential sanitation facilities.
In response to this disaster, the Moroccan Red Crescent Society (MRCS), with the support of the IFRC, has delivered aid to over 60,300 people, navigating challenging circumstances with resilience and determination.
With 450 staff and over 8,500 volunteers, the MRCS has been instrumental in rehabilitating 138 water points across 16 localities, distributing over 5,411 hygiene kits, and ensuring access to emergency shelters and psychosocial support throughout the affected regions. Their unwavering commitment highlights the MRCS’s auxiliary role to the Moroccan Government’s response and recovery efforts.
Sami Fakhouri, IFRC Head of Delegation in Morocco and Tunisia, emphasised the importance of collective action. “The road to recovery is long, and the needs of the affected communities remain immense. Morocco’s people carry the memory of that day, and it is incumbent upon us all to continue remembering and to act. Now more than ever, we must continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Morocco to rebuild not just their homes but their lives.”
The earthquake’s aftermath has underscored the critical need for shelters that are both winterised and waterproof, capable of enduring the region’s harsh winters and rainy seasons, alongside the pressing need for improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities to avert health crises. The demand for non-food items like blankets, clothing, and hygiene products remains high, reflecting the diverse and pressing needs of communities on their path to recovery.
