Islamic Relief has released a new report detailing the response to the devastating earthquake that struck central Morocco on 8 September 2023. The 6.8 magnitude earthquake killed families while they slept in their beds and flattened whole villages. The aftershocks that followed also caused untold damage to the surrounding regions and were felt all across the country.
Communities left in ruins
The earthquake was the most powerful to hit Morocco in more than 60 years. Close to 3,000 people lost their lives, while thousands more were injured. More than 2.8 million people were affected – including 100,000 children.
Eight months on from the disaster, many in the communities affected are still struggling to piece their lives back together. 500,000 people were forced to flee from their homes and live in makeshift shelters which do little to protect from the elements.
The road to recovery is long, and the reconstruction program is both costly and complex.
An immediate and long-term response
Within hours of the disaster, Islamic Relief launched a £10 million appeal to assist survivors. To date, IRW has completed 9 humanitarian projects, reaching nearly 46,000 people across 100 villages with vital, life-saving aid.
Islamic Relief continues to help survivors meet their most pressing basic needs, while also pivoting to longer-term interventions that are needed to help improve and rebuild lives going forward.
These include providing essential medical services and health education in affected communities, through the launch of 27 health caravans and the installation of latrines and showers. Working alongside local partners, Islamic Relief is continuing to support the people of Morocco as they recover from this disaster.