Morocco Earthquake: One year later, a local volunteer breaks new ground as she helps her country rebuild

The first woman shelter officer for the Moroccan Red Crescent, Naima’s knowledge of the local language and culture helps ensure the humanitarian response meets the needs of the entire community.

When a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco on September 8, 2023, Naima wanted to do what she could to help others in Chichaoua province where she lived and worked in the education sector.

It was the deadliest earthquake in Morocco since 2004. According to the national authorities, 2,946 people died and 5,674 were injured. It is estimated that 59,674 houses were destroyed or damaged.

“After the earthquake, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Moroccan Red Crescent,” she recalls. “In the first few days, I participated in various activities, including community engagement, in the douars [admnistrative districts*] affected by the earthquake.”*

“Since I speak the local language, Tamazight, I was able to get closer to the people and to understand in depth the needs of the population, whether it’s women, men or children, in this time of crisis.”

At first, Naima could only volunteer on the weekends because of her work. But over time, her passion for helping people led her to take on a new role as Moroccan Red Crescent shelter officer in Chichaoua Province. Located in the Atlas Mountains, Chichaoua was one of several areas most heavily impacted by the quake.

Breaking new ground

The first female to work in the shelter team of the Moroccan Red Crescent, her role is to support the construction of temporary housing units for those affected by the earthquake.

Naima also meets with women in the affected communities to understand their needs and concerns, and to answer any questions they have about the recovery efforts.

“I decided to join the Moroccan Red Crescent as a shelter assistant because I wanted to be on the front line to help my community recover from this devastating earthquake. I have always believed in the power of teamwork and knew that as a member of the Shelter team, I could make a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most.

“Seeing the immediate difference that even small actions can make in the face of enormous needs has been very gratifying.”

The efforts of Moroccan Red Crescent staff and volunteers has been the backbone of the international response to the earthquake as well. With support of the IFRC, which launched an emergency appeal four days after the quake, the Moroccan Red Crescent Society (MRCS) had delivered aid to approximately 55,000 people as of March 2024.

The work has been hard – and it’s ongoing – but it has also been a rewarding experience for Naima to see her work and her example making a difference to people in her province.

“My involvement with the Moroccan Red Crescent has a positive impact on my life. I am very proud to be a volunteer and to be the first woman to work in the field of shelter. This motivated many other volunteers to get involved and also encouraged women in the affected douars to participate in shelter activities with more confidence.

“Involving women in the decision-making process is very important to ensure that their needs are taken into account.”

More support still needed

The Moroccan Red Crescent’s aid so far has included essential supplies such as hygiene kits, sanitary pads, household items, and food parcels. Over 300 temporary shelter units have been set up, with plans to install over 1,000. More than 18,000 people have received support for shelter, housing, and settlements.

Food security and livelihood programs have helped 6,500 households, while 228 households have received multi-purpose cash assistance. More than 14,000 people have received water, sanitation and hygiene support.

However, the communities where Naima works continue to need support. Some have told her about the difficulties they face in paying for transport to the weekly market, while others have indicated having difficulties acquiring hygiene products or accessing medical care. Increased food prices have led some to adjust the composition of their meals.

The Moroccan Red Crescent, meanwhile, is accelerating and scaling up long-term recovery efforts in affected villages through cash assistance, livelihood support, protection services and preparedness for future disasters.

It will take years for people in Morocco to fully recover, but the Moroccan Red Crescent, with the support of their Red Cross Red Crescent partners, will continue to work with communities in the affected areas to ensure their full recovery over the long term.