On Friday, September 8, a devastating earthquake, registering a magnitude of 6.8, struck central Morocco, approximately 45 miles (72 kilometers) southwest of Marrakech. This earthquake marked the most potent seismic event Morocco had experienced in over a century and was its deadliest since 1960. According to Moroccan authorities, the earthquake has tragically claimed the lives of at least 2,946 individuals, with an additional 5,674 reported as injured, including more than 2,500 in critical condition. The affected regions in Morocco predominantly encompass remote villages, where fallen debris, damaged roadways, and challenging mountainous terrain are severely hampering access. This dire situation has left survivors stranded, devoid of access to fundamental necessities such as shelter, sustenance, medical care, and other essential services. Notably, these rural areas were already grappling with limited access to healthcare services before the earthquake, and this disaster has further exacerbated these pre-existing challenges.
Karama Solidarity’s response
Karama Solidarity (KS) has rapidly mobilized an Emergency Response Team (ERT) from Rabat office in addition to international staff from Belgium and the UK and dispatched them to Marrakech. Their primary mission is to collaborate closely with government authorities, local organizations, and international agencies to assess critical needs, available resources, and priorities effectively.
A consortium of organisations, led by Karama Solidarity and supported by Osman Consulting on the ground, is currently delivering emergency aid in the Marrakech Safi region and the Al Haouz province.
Our Immediate Assistance Efforts Include:
1,500 hot meals
1,700 food parcels and water bottles
500 family hygiene kits
500 blankets
500 mattresses
500 pillows
200 family tents (83 of which have already been set up)
Women's dignity kits (exact quantity pending)
Communal kitchens
Now, critical needs encompass the following areas:
Shelter
Non-food items (NFIs)
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)
Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services
We currently have two ongoing programs in place to address both immediate and long-term needs:
Primary School Reconstruction (10 Schools): In close coordination with the Ministry of Education, KS has identified ten villages where schools have been completely destroyed. Our commitment is to rebuild these schools to higher standards, which will include accommodation for teachers and improved WASH facilities.
Improving Living Conditions in Spontaneous Camps: This initiative aims to enhance living conditions in spontaneous camps by increasing the number of tents, providing essential water and sanitation facilities, and distributing non-food items (NFIs). Karama Solidarity has identified six campsites in poor condition and is actively working on providing additional tents, electricity, undertaking engineering work such as leveling and organizing, establishing water and sanitation facilities, and supporting irrigation efforts to better the lives of those residing in these camps.
Comments