Morocco earthquake
Above: CARE staff distribute essential food and non-food supplies to the earthquake-community in Outghal village, Morocco. Photo: CARE Morocco
A deadly 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck western Morocco on September 8, 2023. The epicenter was in the High Atlas mountains, causing enormous damage and widespread collapse of buildings in several provinces and in the city of Marrakesh. The earthquake was the strongest to hit the region in 120 years and has affected the lives of more than 300,000 people, led to the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and injured approximately 5,700.
Above: A CARE staff member speaks to a woman outside of her damaged home in Tamgounssi, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Photo: CARE Morocco
Aftershocks continued to rattle the region in the weeks following the earthquake, and many families were left with no other option than to live and sleep outside. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to sleeping outdoors – exposed to the elements, wild dogs and the risk of violence, including gender-based violence (GBV). In the mountains, night time temperatures can drop below freezing. Food, water and shelter are urgent priorities.
The AHP response
The Australian Government has provided $500,000 to the AHP for a nine-month response as part of a package of broader support to Morocco in the aftermath of the earthquake.
CARE Australia is responding with CARE Morocco, working in close partnership with government authorities and other NGOs.
CARE will be delivering a broad response to the crisis, focusing on Al Haouz province. Activities will include food and non-food item distribution, such as drinking water and hygiene kits. CARE and local partner organisations will carry out Psychological First Aid (PFA) and provide ongoing psychosocial support, information provision, and referrals for affected persons. Awareness-raising activities on protection and hygiene will form part of the response.
Safe, sufficient, and dignified shelter is a key need of the affected population, with extensive damage to traditional and older housing. The AHP response will include the distribution of tents, mattresses, blankets, and clothing to households, and also seek to repair damaged water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.
Once local markets and supply chains are operating again, cash and voucher assistance will further support recovery.