Responding to the Earthquake in Morocco

On September 8, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Al Houz province of Morocco in the High Atlas Mountains. The earthquake was the strongest the country had experienced in over 120 years. Nearly 3,000 people were killed, another 6,000 were injured and more than 500,000 people were displaced. Damage from the earthquake cut off access to critical resources and services—including food, water, shelter and healthcare—for many affected communities. The destruction of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, along with crowded living conditions in shelters and camps, increased the risk of infectious diseases. Between physical injury from the earthquake and the ensuing uptick in communicable disease, the already-under resourced healthcare system simply could not keep up with surging demand.  

Providing Healthcare

Immediately following the earthquake, International Medical Corps deployed MMUs in the heavily impacted provinces of Al Haouz and Taroudant. The MMUs—staffed with one doctor, one psychologist, two nurses and one midwife each—provided integrated health, mental health, nutrition and health and hygiene awareness-raising services. As of August 15, 2024, we have provided 29,401 health consultations, 2,730 MHPSS consultations and 3,204 referrals in some of the most remote, inaccessible and heavily-affected communities—treating earthquake-related injuries, exacerbated chronic conditions, post-traumatic stress and more. The MMUs also reached 3,214 children with important socialization and enrichment activities designed to help reinforce positive coping strategies and community resilience.   

Thanks to our donors, the MMUs were fully equipped essential medicines, medical equipment and supplies, including antibiotics, medications for chronic conditions, glucose monitors, pulse oximeters and more. gauze.  

Providing Essential Medical Supplies

When the earthquake struck, residents of the High Atlas region had to evacuate quickly, leaving behind personal belongings and essential supplies. To provide safety and comfort to internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in temporary settlements, International Medical Corps distributed 293 winterized tents, 4,200 family hygiene kits, 1,000 non-food item (NFIs) kits, 1,000 winterization kits and more. The winterized tents consisted of multiple layers to trap warmth, as well as a thermal and waterproof base to reduce heat loss through the ground, and comfortably sleeps a family of five, in total benefiting 1,465 people. For those who had already received tents not designed for cold weather environments, we distributed NFI kits consisting of four pallets to lift tents off the ground and a plastic waterproof base, benefiting more than 5,000 people.  

The winterization kits included blankets, pillows, winter coats, socks, gloves, raincoats and rainboots, for both adults and children, benefiting 1,000 people. The household hygiene kits were designed to meet the hygiene-related needs of a family of six for approximately 12 weeks and contained items such as soap, shampoo, dental care products, razors, combs and more. Our teams reached nearly 14,879 people with this distribution. Not only will these winterization and hygiene items keep people safe from environmental hazards, but also restore dignity and comfort amid a difficult situation. 

The earthquake also severely damaged wells and water access points, particularly in the small town of Ouneine in Taroudant province, stranding more than 8,000 residents without access to safe water for drinking, cooking or washing. To reconnect residents with a source of clean water, we installed a solar-powered water pump, complete with all necessary equipment and solar panels. The pump pulls from a deep natural water source and provides as much as 20,000 liters per day, delivering immediate relief with this source of clean water for years to come.   

Our Response by the Numbers

In response, International Medical Corps partnered with the Moroccan Association of Solidarity and Development and Maroc Solidarité Médico-Sociale to reach 32,131 people.As of August 15, 2024, we have: 

• deployed two mobile medical units (MMUs) to deliver health services and distribute essential supplies to heavily impacted and inaccessible communities;  

• provided 29,401 health and 2,730 MHPSS consultations;   

• referred 3,204 patients to higher levels of care;  

• conducted 544 health and hygiene awareness-raising sessions, reaching a total of 27,587 people; 

• distributed 6,200 hygiene kits and winterization kits; and 

• distributed 700 hot meals and ready-to-eat food items to 700 people.