Islamic Relief Worldwide has released a new report. One detailing our teams’ response to the devastating earthquake that struck central Morocco, eight months on.
On 8 September 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake killed families while they slept in their beds and flattened whole villages. The aftershocks that followed also caused untold damage to the surrounding regions and were felt all across the country.
Communities left in ruins
The earthquake that hit Morocco was its most powerful one in more than 60 years. Close to 3,000 people lost their lives. Thousands more were injured. Among those affected – more than 2.8 million people – included 100,000 children.
![IR staff giving gift to child and mother affected by morocco earthquake](https://islamicrelief.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/RS371180__DSC2523-1024x576.jpg)
Image: More than 100,000 children were affected by the devastating earthquake.
The road to recovery is long, and the reconstruction programme is both costly and complex. Eight months on from the disaster, communities are still struggling to piece their lives back together. The 500,000 people forced to flee from their homes now live in makeshift shelters. This does little to protect them from the elements.
An immediate and long-term response
Within hours of the disaster, Islamic Relief launched an over $19 million AUD appeal to assist survivors.
To date, the Islamic Relief teams have completed 9 humanitarian projects. Where, together our global network has reached nearly 46,000 people across 100 villages with vital, life-saving aid.
![IRA Staff carrying food packs for survivors of Morocco earthquake](https://islamicrelief.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/RS385678_IMG_2892-1024x768.jpg)
Islamic Relief continues to help survivors meet their most pressing basic needs. We are also pivoting to longer-term interventions to help improve and rebuild lives going forward.
These include providing essential medical services and health education in affected communities, through the launch of 27 health caravans and the installation of latrines and showers.
Working alongside local partners, Islamic Relief teams are continuing to support the people of Morocco as they recover from this disaster. You can find out more about our work by reading the Morocco’s Al Haouz earthquake: 8 months on report.
With your help, we can continue to provide support for the people of Morocco, please help us to continue this life-saving work.
Help families in Morocco recover from disaster
Together, we have the power to make a tangible difference. Your support can provide critical essentials like food, water, shelter, and emotional support to those who need it most.