Urgent Earthquake Response in Morocco

Thank you for supporting this project! I’m writing to share some updates on ActionAid’s work in Morocco.

One year ago, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake and a 4.9 magnitude aftershock struck Morocco, with an epicenter in the High Atlas Mountains, 71 kilometers from Marrakesh. This earthquake was the deadliest in Morocco since 2004, killing more than 3,000 people, injuring 56,741 and destroying 59,674 houses.

Following a needs assessment, ActionAid determined that safe and winterized temporary shelters were needed, as well as long term food and livelihood security, psychosocial support for affected communities, and educational/recreational activities for children unable to go back to school.

Our emergency response has had a primary focus on addressing immediate needs, responding to gaps in access to sanitation, basic necessities, women’s hygiene products, as well as prioritizing the needs of women and girls and supporting women-led responses.

Through this lens, and over the past year, ActionAid has been working alongside three local partner organizations to support vulnerable populations in 14 locations across Morocco. Thanks to your support, our humanitarian response activities have included:

• Food kit distribution

• Water, sanitation and hygiene services (WASH), including the completion and installation of WASH facilities

• Protection services, including leading capacity building workshops with community leaders

• The provision of safe spaces for children

• The provision of essential nonfood items (NFIs) including dignity kits and recreation kits for children

• Shelter support and tent distribution.

These are just some of the ways your support has helped have a powerful and lasting impact, in the face of unimaginable disaster. Now more than ever, your commitment to human rights makes a difference. Thank you again for your solidarity.