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FAST FACTS
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On September 8, at 11:11 pm local time, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco, about 45 miles southwest of Marrakech
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The quake killed nearly 3,000 people and injured more than 5,500—numbers that are expected to increase as searchand-rescue operations continue
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The disaster was Morocco’s most powerful earthquake in more than a century and its deadliest since 1960
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More than 380,000 people have been affected by the earthquake
OUR RESPONSE
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International Medical Corps deployed an Advance Emergency Response Team (ERT) to Marrakech to coordinate with government authorities, local organizations and international agencies, to prioritize critical needs and establish supply chains needed to support affected communities
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We already have helped distribute 450 hot meals, 2,550 ready-to-eat food items, 2,550 hygiene items and 150 blankets to those affected by the earthquakes
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Critical needs include shelter, food, nonfood items, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services
SITUATION UPDATE
On Friday, September 8, a devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) southwest of Marrakech. The earthquake was the most powerful Morocco had experienced in more than a century, and its deadliest since 1960. According to Moroccan authorities, at least 2,946 people have been killed and 5,674 injured by the quake, with more than 2,500 severely or critically injured. The number of injuries and fatalities is expected to rise as search-and-rescue efforts continue. Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech has been overwhelmed by patients after the quake, forcing it to provide treatment outside for some patients due to lack of interior space.
Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection confirmed that more than 300 tons of medicines and medical devices have been delivered to Al-Haouz province this week, with additional shipments planned by the end of this week. The national stock is anticipated to meet the needs of those injured at this time. In addition to trauma and health needs, additional areas of support requested include food and water, shelter and non-food items, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services.
Access to delivering aid currently is constrained due to road blocks caused by the earthquake, risk of landslides and existing infrastructure challenges, such as challenging terrain the mountains. Moroccan authorities are working quickly to remove blockages but last-mile efforts to remote villages remain difficult.