Responding to the Earthquake in Morocco

On September 8, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco, about 45 miles southwest of Marrakech. With nearly 3,000 confirmed deaths, more than 5,600 people injured, and more than 500,000 people displaced, the earthquake required a robust, and wide-ranging response.

Because much of the health infrastructure was damaged or destroyed, and because it was important to access people in hard-to-reach places, we deployed two MMUs to deliver health services and distribute essential supplies. We provided 14,808 health and 1,352 mental health consultations, referred 1,661 patients to higher levels of care at Taroudant and Tahnaout Health Center, procured 76,043 items of medicines, medical equipment and supplies to support our MMUs, conducted health and hygiene promotion awareness sessions reaching 11,681 people, and distributed 500 hot meals and ready-to-eat food items to 200 people.

Morocco is known for its mild winters, but in the High Atlas Mountains where the earthquake struck, winters bring below-freezing temperatures, heavy rain and even snow. We partnered with Action for Humanity (AFH), the European Committee for Education and Agriculture (CEFA) and AMSED to ensure that earthquake survivors still living in temporary shelters and settlements are prepared for the winter season. International Medical Corps has prepared and distributed 120 household winterization kits, distributed 1,714 winterization items, including blankets, mattresses, winterized tents, power generators and community kitchen kits to households in need procured and distributed 1,701 family hygiene kits, which will support 10,206 people for one month.

Inspiration Amid Disaster

While stationed in a remote village in the High Atlas Mountains, one of our midwives identified a woman who was a true inspiration. She was a breast cancer survivor who had visited the MMU for a consultation. Her years-long fight against cancer was a poignant testimony of resilience and strength. Because Amal was passionate about spreading awareness for breast-cancer prevention and treatment, our staff was able to work with her to connect other women to the MMU. She helped raise awareness of the importance of self examination and directed others to the MMU if they had any concerns. Sharing her story with our beneficiaries was a powerful way of raising awareness, highlighting the need for early detection and vigilance.