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Typical Berber village in the High Atlas mountains, Morocco | James Griesedieck
Typical Berber village in the High Atlas mountains, Morocco  | James Griesedieck
Berber village at dusk in the High Atlas, Morocco  | James Griesedieck

2023 Earthquake Disaster Relief Efforts

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Regenerative 2030

  • Supporting Aguersioual village with community led disaster relief following the devestating 2023 earthquake
  • Technical studies of the loose boulders above the village that were moved by the earthquake and damaged some houses, in order to stabilise them
  • Repairing of the women’s workshop which was destroyed
  • Creating a playground for children away from the risky area and the construction of a new pre-school for younger children
  • Future proofing water system in the village

The World Expeditions Foundation supplied unconditional aid to a long term partner and connection in rural Morocco. The community designated this generous funding to be used to support the water facilities in the village, including protecting the existing water pipe, replacing pipes for the well water and the electrical components of a solar powered water pipe. The community is considering the construction of a second water tank. The community is waiting for studies and permissions for a protective structure of the loose boulders and rock in the hill above the village. The women's workshop was destroyed, and they have used the funds to rent a temporary house in the village as their workshop and commercial shop. The damage was extensive across the country, and it takes time to see progress and development.

Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

No Poverty:  Economic growth must be inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality.

Responsible Production and Consumption:  Responsible Production and Consumption

Clean Water And Sanitation:  Clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want to live in.

Sustainable Cities And Communities:  There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.

Reduced Inequalities:  To reduce inequalities, policies should be universal in principle, paying attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized populations.

Impacts

  • Resilience in the face of natural disasters for this local village
  • Cash transfer to community leaders in order to help the community get back on its feet
  • Improved and sustainable water access
  • A technical review of loose boulders in the village to build future proofing
  • Payment of rent for an alternative womens workshop

Outcomes

Community capacity building for a vulnerable community

Background

The 2023 Morocco earthquake was a powerful seismic event that struck near the town of Oukaïmedene in western Morocco on September 8. With a magnitude of 6.8, the earthquake and its aftershocks caused widespread devastation, resulting in over 2,900 fatalities and 5,500 injuries. The ancient areas of Marrakech suffered significant damage, and several remote villages in the Atlas Mountains were severely impacted. The tremors were felt as far away as Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, as well as in Algeria and Portugal.

The World Expeditions Group reached out to long term friend and on the ground operator who has strong connections in Aguersioual village, south of Marrakech. World Expeditions trips have been operating in Morocco for years and we wanted to support those who may not be getting the reach of the major NGOs. We pulled together funds and asked our contact what the support would be directed toward. There was some water facility damage which the community wanted to reinforce in case of any future earthquakes. The other major issue has been the loose boulders around the town, and getting expert support in how to ensure safety in case of future earthquakes. Process takes time, and we are in constant contact with the community to check whether we can be of support.

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