On September 8, 2023, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck central Morocco, resulting in the tragic loss of 2,862 lives and injuring approximately 6,000 people.
The earthquake primarily affected the rural area of the High Atlas Mountains, causing landslides, structural collapses, and extensive damage to roads and pathways, further isolating remote villages.
Medical humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been actively responding to the crisis.
Their teams are offering critical psychological support to the affected population, healthcare professionals, and volunteers who have been tirelessly assisting in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Immediately after the earthquake, on September 9, MSF deployed emergency teams to evaluate the humanitarian and medical situation in the hardest-hit regions, including the provinces of Al Haouz, Taroudant, and Chichaoua. A total of five MSF teams assessed 30 different sites.
Despite the devastating conditions, the Moroccan authorities, with support from international partners and the local community, swiftly organized a comprehensive response.
This included the establishment of advanced medical posts, field hospitals, and transportation capabilities to ensure urgent medical and humanitarian assistance reached those in need.
Fouzia Bara, an MSF nurse who was among the first MSF responders in Morocco, described the grim situation: “We saw entire villages destroyed, roads collapsed, and electricity cut off.”
Nevertheless, the Moroccan government, backed by various nations, managed to rescue individuals trapped under debris, provide medical treatment to the injured, employ helicopters to reach remote areas, and distribute essential supplies to affected populations. MSF teams noted the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of the Moroccan government's response, identifying very few gaps.
In addition to their assessments, MSF teams conducted six targeted donations between September 12 and 17, providing medical equipment and medicines, including injectables, painkillers, antibiotics, insulin, and medical supplies, in coordination with Moroccan authorities. One of the most urgent needs arising from this crisis is psychological support.
This includes aiding search and rescue teams, frontline volunteers, and affected individuals. Many survivors have lost loved ones, witnessed the destruction of their homes and villages, and are waiting for the recovery of the deceased.
MSF teams spoke with numerous distressed individuals in heavily affected areas.
Fouzia Bara explained MSF's approach, stating, “We will provide mental health activities and first aid psychological support to local organizations and affected individuals, as well as frontline workers, mainly through the networks of psychologists, social workers, health promoters, and other Moroccan volunteers.”
MSF's primary activities will encompass supporting the medical and paramedical teams of the Moroccan Ministry of Health, leading health promotion and mental health campaigns, and offering training and support to local groups in providing psychological first aid.
