Morocco Earthquake Response 2023

Around 11pm local time on September 8, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the High Atlas mountain range, 72 km southwest of Marrakech, Morocco, a city home to 840,000 people. The quake was followed by a 4.9 magnitude aftershock. This was the biggest earthquake felt in the region. Extensive damage was reported with buildings collapsed and critical infrastructure severely damaged; the death toll was over 2,900. 

Approximately 450,000 individuals were believed to have been internally displaced. Relief operations successfully restored crucial pathways, notably in the Ighil region of Al Haouz province. However, concerns persisted regarding road access, particularly in remote locales. This was exacerbated by worsening road conditions and potential weather-related obstacles. By the end of September, primary routes in Al Haouz had been reinstated, but obstacles like traffic congestion and flight limitations persisted, impeding relief endeavours.

GlobalMedic immediately deployed our Rapid Response Team (RRT) with 4 AquaResponse3 Water Purification Systems to Morocco. Following an earthquake of this magnitude, access to basic supplies becomes nearly impossible. This includes clean drinking water, with damage from the earthquake disrupting existing infrastructure such as water reservoirs. The AR3s are point-of-source water filtration devices that can provide clean drinking water to support over 2,000 people every day. These units were installed at central locations like feeding centres and health clinics to ensure that the water being consumed at these sites was safe to drink.

GlobalMedic’s Rapid Response Team also worked with local partners to run a hot meal program. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, we took over a local cafe and produced meals daily to provide to people who were affected. Every day we were able to feed hundreds of people, ensuring they stay fed and healthy. We distributed over 27,600 meals through this program. 

We then began distributing pantry food hampers and fresh vegetables. All of these food items were locally sourced and traditionally found in Moroccan cuisine. The ingredients could be prepared at the family’s discretion and helped stock the pantries of those affected by the earthquake. We distributed 7,262 food hampers and 8 tonnes of fresh vegetables to those affected by the earthquake.

After a crisis, families face many challenges. One of the tools GlobalMedic uses to support families are our Family Emergency Kits. These kits have been designed as a holistic solution to solve multiple needs faced by families in crisis. One of the biggest risks that vulnerable communities face in the wake of disasters is waterborne illness. This is caused by the disruption of safe drinking water sources, forcing individuals to retrieve their water through untreated and potentially contaminated sources. Waterborne illnesses like cholera and typhoid can be detrimental to a family’s health and are often deadly. We also worked to distribut 2,700 Family Emergency Kits to families in need. 

GlobalMedic also shipped an Alaska tent, which is a military grade mobile structure which can be built in hours and functions in a permanent capacity. It can be used as a mobile medical clinic, a storage facility, or a temporary accommodation. The facility was turned into a classroom in Ouchfilene, a mountain village south of Marrakech. This served teachers and students whose schools were damaged or destroyed by the earthquake. We also worked to distribute smaller tents to be used for shelter, distributing 2,000 in total.

Our response has been made possible by assistance from donors like you. Thank you so much for your support! You can stay up to date with GlobalMedic's activies on our website or through social media @globalmedicdmgf.