One year of hope and resilience supporting Morocco after the earthquake - Caritas (original) (raw)

A year ago, on September 8, 2023, Morocco experienced a devastating earthquake that deeply affected its people. In response, Caritas Morocco, with support from Caritas Internationalis, launched an emergency aid effort to help those impacted. Over the past year, their efforts have been key in providing relief and beginning the journey of rebuilding in some of the most affected and remote areas.

Caritas Morocco focused on essential areas such as shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), as well as support for migrants. They provided 278 families with new tents and important supplies like mattresses, blankets, and solar lanterns to improve their living conditions. Despite challenges in getting permits for latrine construction, they installed 9 modular sanitary blocks in Aguerda village, benefiting 75 families. Before Ramadan, they distributed food hampers to 1,243 families to meet immediate needs. In Marrakech, 100 migrants were given temporary accommodation, hygiene kits, and regular food assistance.

Phase II of their recovery efforts began in April 2024, extending support to earthquake survivors in Al Haouz and Ouarzazate while addressing new needs. In the first quarter, 370 people were helped, including 270 in Ouarzazate and 100 migrants in Marrakech, as preparations were made.

Key actions included bringing in a new team, relocating the office for better coordination, and assessing village needs. Plans for 120 modular buildings in Al Haouz were underway, though these might shift to permanent housing due to new policies. Efforts to improve hygiene involved setting up 10 access points in 6 villages, and migrants continued to receive food and hygiene kits. Water system repairs began in July 2024, alongside sports activities for 400 children and safety improvements in Barda.

Reflecting on a year of hard work, the Secretary General of Caritas Morocco highlighted the strength and unity shown by the affected communities. In an interview with Cáritas Española, he said, “This balance sheet illustrates not only the resilience of the communities of the Moroccan Atlas, but also the fraternal cooperation between sister Caritas, without whose generosity it would not have been possible for all these actions to see the light of day. We are very grateful.”

The efforts of Caritas Morocco have been supported by Caritas Internationalis members active in Morocco throughout the year, including CAFOD, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, Caritas Australia, Caritas Belgium, Caritas Canada – Developpement et Paix, Caritas Germany, Caritas Italiana, Caritas Japan, Caritas Korea, Caritas Macau, Caritas Malta, Caritas Poland, Caritas Portugal, Caritas Seoul_OBOS, Caritas Spain, Caritas Zagreb, CRS, SCIAF, and Trocaire.

A Mosaic of Gratitude

Mulay Idris, a place filled with history and spirituality, is where Islam is said to have spread across Morocco. Nearby, the Roman site of Volubilis showcases mosaics that tell stories of unity and endurance, with each tile playing its part in a larger picture. Similarly, after the earthquake in the Atlas Mountains, a mosaic of resilience and hope has formed among the people of Morocco. A year later, the gratitude from these communities is deeply felt. Families who received essential aid like mattresses and blankets have expressed how much this support has meant to them.

Supported by Caritas Internationalis, CRS, and many sister Caritas organizations, this collective effort has brought much-needed relief. The spirit of these communities, reflected in their acts of gratitude, continues to inspire a commitment to a brighter future.

Support the ongoing work of Caritas Morocco. Donate today to help us continue making a difference in the lives of those affected by disaster.