More than 3,000 people have been killed and thousands more are injured, and in need of humanitarian aid, since a powerful earthquake struck Morocco on Friday 8 September.
With a magnitude of 6.8, the earthquake’s epicentre was in the High Atlas mountains, around 72km south-west of Marrakech. It destroyed buildings, infrastructure and roads, making rescue efforts very challenging. Many thousands of people have lost their homes and loved ones.
Women and girls are especially vulnerable since the earthquake struck, living in exposed spaces without either security or protection. They urgently need safe shelter, particularly with winter coming.
ActionAid is working with our partner organisations in Morocco to distribute essential supplies in some of the hardest-to-reach mountain villages, including food, water, clothes and toiletry kits for families.
We urgently need to reach more people. Please donate today.
Morocco earthquake: ActionAid's response
ActionAid has been working in collaboration with partner organisations in Morocco for more than 20 years.
We have partnered with Enterprise Social Maroc, Maroc Sans Frontières and the women’s association of Tamghart Noudrar, to distribute supplies in one of the worst-hit areas in the Atlas Mountains.
Distributing dignity kits
So far we’ve distributed dignity kits and safety information leaflets to 1,000 women in communities in Tahanout, Asni and the Imlil Valley.
Each dignity kit contains a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, sanitary towels, gel, soap, wipes and underwear.
Safety information leaflets
The safety leaflets contain information in Arabic and Berber on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse. We know from our work in emergencies that women and girls are often at risk of attempted trafficking and offers of early marriage after disasters and in crisis situations.
Psychosocial support
The Italian NGO, Soleterre is working alongside ActionAid to offer psychosocial support by psychologists for families who may be traumatised from the earthquake and its aftermath.
How are women supporting communities after the earthquake?
ActionAid UK's chief executive, Halima Begum said:
Women and children are in critical need of safe shelter. While families want to return home, many have seen their houses completely destroyed and we have far too many vulnerable people still living in exposed spaces, without either security or protection.
The trauma and fear associated with the earthquake is also a huge impediment to the safe return of families. People here have experienced unimaginable tragedy and loss. Any recovery plan must include emotional support to help those affected by this disaster retrieve some degree of normality in their lives.
Of course, women and girls have very particular needs in emergencies that are far too often overlooked or forgotten, and we’re seeing this in Morocco now. In particular, access to period products and underwear is essential.
Much of the emergency response so far has focussed on food and temporary shelter, which are of course important. But the provision of period products would go a long way to help restore the dignity of women and girls still living in rudimentary and temporary shelters.”
Where your money goes
90% of your donation will go directly to ActionAid's Morocco Earthquake Appeal.
10% of your donation will be retained for ActionAid’s Emergency Action Fund which will only be used for ensuring we are prepared and able to respond quickly and more effectively to future emergencies and crises.
If the total amount raised for this appeal exceeds the funds needed for the response, ActionAid will transfer the remaining balance to the Emergency Action Fund. All Gift Aid claimed on donations will fund ActionAid’s work across the world, wherever the need is greatest.
Page updated 5 October 2023