WASH ERU – Morocco Earthquake 2023

On September 8, 2023, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck central Morocco, causing widespread devastation and affecting thousands of people. According to national
authorities, 2,946 people died and 5,674 people were injured, while 59,674 houses were estimated to be destroyed or damaged.

Among IFRC support to the Moroccan Red Crescent (MRC) two WASH ERUs were mobilized; an MSM20 led by Swedish Red Cross (SRC) in joint deployment with the Austrian (AutRC), British (BRC) and Spanish Red Cross (SpRC), and an M15 led by French Red Cross (FRC) jointly with SpRC. The close integration of the two ERUs and high adaptability to the context helped provide critical services and relief to affected populations and supported MRC to negotiate further access and mandate in the response.