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 were urgent priorities.
The AHP response
The Australian Government 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 responded with CARE Morocco, working in close partnership with government authorities and other NGOs.
CARE delivered a broad response to the crisis, focusing on Al Haouz province. Activities included food and non-food item distribution, such as drinking water and hygiene kits. CARE and local partner organisations carried out Psychological First Aid (PFA) and provided ongoing psychosocial support, information provision, and referrals for affected persons. Awareness-raising activities on protection and hygiene formed part of the response.
Safe, sufficient, and dignified shelter was a key need of the affected population, with extensive damage to traditional and older housing. The AHP response included the distribution of tents, mattresses, blankets, and clothing to households, and repairs to damaged water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.
The response was implemented with a strong emphasis on gender sensitivity and disability inclusion, ensuring that the specific needs of women, girls, and people with disabilities were met throughout the response. 66% of the total participants reached were women and girls.