We landed in Marrakesh just a day-and-a-half after the earthquake struck. The 24 hours prior were a whirlwind of planning and logistics. Dozens of colleagues worked to secure flights, visas, accommodation, safety considerations and more. And within 38 hours of the earthquake, we were on the ground.
Our first task was to connect with local partners. Walking into an emergency situation, you can never know what to expect. No one knows better than the locals what they need, why, and where it’s needed. It is these collaborations that also help us figure out how to get the supplies to the places they are needed.
Monday morning, we started our day by visiting the Mellah – the traditionally Jewish quarter in the historic part of the city. While the full effects of the earthquake were less visible in the newer parts of Marrakesh, here you could see – and feel – the impact.
Hundreds of people were sleeping in the city square. Often with nothing but a piece of cardboard to lie on. Some had lost their homes. Others were too scared to return, fearing that aftershocks could cause their houses to collapse.
We saw rubble in the streets, outer bricks that had fallen off the facades, and paths formed through the small alleyways where people pushed the rubble to the side. We visited the ancient Jewish cemetery, which saw a wall crumble.
In the Mellah we met with Jewish community leaders to ask what they needed to help survivors not only endure, but endure with dignity: Blankets, hygiene supplies, and other essentials. We bought supplies to distribute later. It’s always best to buy locally after disasters. That way, we can also support the local economy and businesses that have been impacted by this emergency.
The most deeply impacted communities were the rural villages up in the mountains. Together with local partners, we headed toward El Haouz district in the High Atlas Mountains. This region, made up of small villages nestled into the mountains, was the worst affected. The mud-brick homes common to the area are deeply vulnerable to earthquakes.
Driving up into the mountains, the scale soon became clear. In this breathtakingly beautiful, but sparsely populated region, we passed village after village. Each one showing damage. Debris and fallen rocks reduced the already narrow, dusty roads down to single-lane for much of the journey. Along the roads, you could see makeshift tents, where families who have lost their homes gathered.
The first things we brought — at the request of our partners — were blankets and hygiene supplies. During the day, it’s sweltering hot. But once the sun goes down, the cool desert mountain air brings a chill. For people sleeping rough, after everything they’ve already endured, basic comfort is key. Hygiene items — things we so frequently take for granted like soap, toothpaste and baby wipes — can not only help people maintain their sense of dignity, but also prevent the spread of diseases, stemming off a secondary crisis.
Amid all the destruction, it’s incredibly moving to see the response of local people who have mobilized to help. The roads were clogged with car after car coming to deliver supplies in the affected area. These local efforts need to be harnessed to bring what’s needed where it’s needed most.
The human impact is clear. After the search and rescue teams have concluded their work, there will still be a long road to recovery. Mental health needs will only grow as people cope with the loss of their loved ones and homes. With so many people exposed to the elements, we must think about the needs for shelter, health care, and sanitation.
On Tuesday, half of our team returned to the mountains to continue assessing the needs there. Not just the immediate needs, but also thinking forward to what will help these communities rebuild. The other half of our team remained in Marrakesh to meet with local organizations and build the foundations and partnerships necessary to make a deep and lasting impact.
IsraAID’s mission has always been to not only help communities recover after disasters, but to support them as they build resilience and become better prepared for future challenges. Our global team includes experts in mental health and psychosocial protection, water sanitation and hygiene, public health, and education. As we better understand the needs on the ground, and as we listen to the community and let them lead us, we can use this expertise to empower our local partners.
This is IsraAID’s 100th emergency response. In my five years with the organization, I’ve been on many missions, from Mozambique to Ukraine, and each one is unique and presents its own challenges. In every emergency, however, it is so important to work hand in hand with grassroots organizations who know their community. I’m proud to be here now, doing this work and helping wherever we’re needed.
Ethan Schwartz is Director of Communications at IsraAID.
