One Year After Al Haouz Earthquake, High Atlas on Slow but Steady Recovery Path

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the devastating Al Haouz earthquake that struck Morocco on September 8, 2023. This seismic event, measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale, was centered about 70 kilometers southeast of Marrakech and resulted in profound human and material losses. Official reports indicate that nearly 2,946 lives were lost, while over 6,125 individuals suffered injuries. The earthquake wreaked havoc across several provinces, notably Al Haouz, Taroudant, and Chichaoua, with approximately 60,000 buildings either partially or completely destroyed, impacting around 300,000 people, particularly in remote and impoverished mountainous villages.

In the aftermath of this natural disaster, the Moroccan government initiated a comprehensive recovery program, establishing a ministerial committee dedicated to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged homes. The Royal Court declared a three-day period of national mourning, reflecting the gravity of the situation. As part of the recovery efforts, the government has committed to providing financial assistance to affected families, including a monthly payment of 2,500 Moroccan dirhams (approximately $242) for one year, starting October 6, 2023. Additionally, plans are underway to allocate up to 140,000 dirhams (around $13,600) for rebuilding destroyed homes, including the reconstruction of about 1,000 schools and 42 health centers.

The earthquake's impact extended beyond immediate physical destruction, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in rural areas that had long been marginalized in Morocco's economic transformation over the past two decades. The tragedy prompted a wave of solidarity and social mobilization within the country, with citizens from diverse backgrounds coming together to support those affected. In urban centers like Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier, thousands responded to calls for blood donations and contributed food, water, medicine, clothing, and temporary housing to the hardest-hit regions.

International assistance also flowed in, with offers of support from various countries, including Spain, Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. The Moroccan parliament established a dedicated treasury account to collect contributions for earthquake relief, aligning with constitutional provisions for such initiatives. Numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also launched campaigns to gather funds and supplies, demonstrating a collective commitment to recovery.

As the region embarks on the long road to recovery, the resilience of the affected communities remains evident. Local organizations and global partners continue to work collaboratively, addressing immediate needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable development. The High Atlas Foundation, for instance, has been instrumental in providing essential supplies, psychosocial support, and infrastructure projects aimed at revitalizing the livelihoods of those impacted.

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, the spirit of resilience and community solidarity shines through, as Morocco navigates the complexities of recovery and reconstruction in the wake of this tragic event.