Urgent humanitarian needs in Morocco as winter approaches
Last updated: November 2023
Two months on since a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco, winter is now rapidly approaching, adding new complications to an already challenging crisis.
Many of the worst affected areas are in the remote Atlas Mountains, and the impact of the earthquake has made them even harder to reach.
When the earthquake hit, it reduced many homes to rubble – the region’s high altitude (that spans from 1,500 to 2,000 metres above sea level) means the winter cold will be particularly devastating for people without permanent housing.
As a result, the need for warm shelters and other provisions, such as latrines and showers, is rapidly growing.
What happened?
On Friday 8 September, 11pm local time, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco. The epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, approximately 70 kilometres south of Marrakesh. A 4.9 magnitude aftershock followed just 20 minutes later.
Latest casualty reports indicate at least 2,900 deaths and over 5,600 injured.
How is the Red Cross helping people affected by the earthquake?
Local Moroccan Red Crescent teams were on the ground immediately responding to the earthquake, assisting with search and rescue.
Since then, they have continued to provide assistance: to date, the Moroccan Red Crescent Society, with support from the IFRC, has reached over 50,000 people.
The Moroccan Red Crescent is:
• facilitating medical assistance, from offering first aid and transporting injured people to hospital, to organising blood donation drives and creating makeshift medical tents
• offering psychosocial support to affected people, even in remote areas
• providing water, food, and hygiene kits
• aiding evacuation
As the situation develops, our teams will continue to help with the severe and immediate needs of those affected, as well as planning the longer-term support that will be needed in the weeks and months to come.
How can my donation help people?
£1.87 could help to provide a jerry can to a family impacted by the earthquake so they are able to store clean water for drinking and cooking
£4.56 could help to provide a blanket to someone that has lost everything in the earthquake
£11.01 could help to provide toiletries to a family affected by the earthquake for one month
£21.90 could help to provide a food parcel for a family for one month
£45.61 could help to buy a mattress for a family who has lost their home in the earthquake
How can you help people in Morocco?
The best way to help us reach those affected – and provide long-term help to those in crisis, particularly during these winter months – is by donating to our Morocco Earthquake appeal today if you can.
In the meantime, we’ll continue to update this page with more information from local teams on the ground about what’s happening and how your support will help people.