September 8, 2025
News
On September 8, 2023, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale struck Morocco. The epicentre was located approximately 70 kilometres southwest of Marrakesh. The disaster claimed nearly 3,000 lives and affected up to 300,000 people, one third of whom were children. Around 50,000 homes were either partially or completely destroyed. Two years later, we commemorate not only the victims of the earthquake but also the assistance provided by Caritas Czech Republic.
Immediate response was crucial
The earthquake most severely impacted five provinces: Taroudant, Ouarzazate, Azilal, and especially Al-Haouz and Chichaoua in the Marrakech-Safi region. Caritas Czech Republic responded immediately, launching a public fundraising campaign on September 9, 2023, to support those affected. It was among the first organisations to provide direct aid in the impacted areas. In cooperation with Caritas Marrakech, it began distributing emergency relief. The primary focus was to provide emergency shelter for residents who had lost their homes. In the initial phase, tents were distributed, followed by blankets and clothing. Food distribution was also initiated, with particular attention given to vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Aid distribution was especially critical in remote areas, where the earthquake had destroyed traditional homes and blocked access routes. More than 40 per cent of Morocco’s population resides in rural, remote regions.
Support continued into 2024
Even months after the disaster, Caritas continued its support. The approaching winter, combined with the fact that most villages are located in mountainous areas, meant that providing emergency shelter remained a top priority. In collaboration with Caritas Rabat, efforts focused on supplying insulation materials for shelters. During the winter months, Morocco experiences significant temperature fluctuations, strong winds, and high humidity. Caritas also distributed mobile heaters to villages in the Azizmiz area, where people were still living in tents or makeshift shelters. At the time, temperatures hovered around 5°C. Many homes were so severely damaged that they could not be safely inhabited. Caritas also provided hygiene and disinfectant supplies.
Life in the shadow of tremors
In September 2024, one year after the earthquake, it became evident that the trauma persisted. Many residents continued to live in fear of further tremors. Caritas shared the story of Fatima, a woman from one of the affected villages who had lost her home and was still living in a temporary tent. Her story is one of many that illustrate the long-term consequences natural disasters can have.
The assistance provided by Caritas Czech Republic would not have been possible without the generous support of the public and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. We extend our sincere thanks to all who contributed to the fundraising campaign. Your help made a real difference. Even today, it is possible to contribute to humanitarian aid through Caritas for Gaza and Caritas for Ukraine, or to become a regular donor.
