Morocco Earthquake Survivors Demand Aid, Cite Fraud Concerns
More than a year after a devastating earthquake struck Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, survivors are increasingly vocal about delays in receiving promised aid, staging protests and demanding intervention from King Mohammed VI. The 6.8 magnitude earthquake, which struck in September 2023, displaced at least 500,000 people and left many living in makeshift tents, facing harsh winter conditions.
On Monday, February 18, 2025, hundreds of earthquake survivors gathered outside the Moroccan parliament in Rabat, carrying Moroccan and Amazigh flags and portraits of the King. They voiced frustration over what they describe as neglect, injustice, and corruption in the aid distribution process, according to reporting from The New Arab.
Ahmed Ibourk, a father of three from the village of Douirane, traveled 423 kilometers to address the protesters. He described the deteriorating conditions in his community, stating, “People are getting sicker every day. We don’t even have the means to get medical care.” He added, “We’re freezing this winter under the tents. We’re slowly dying, and no one is listening to us.”
The Moroccan Interior Ministry has acknowledged instances of fraud within the aid distribution system, and reportedly sentenced one individual to three years in jail for related offenses. However, protesters argue that these measures are insufficient and that systemic issues continue to hinder the delivery of essential assistance.
The situation is particularly dire in remote mountain villages, where access to resources and medical care is limited. As winter sets in, the conditions in the makeshift camps have become increasingly unbearable, with recent snowfall exacerbating the challenges faced by displaced families. The area, long described as ‘forgotten Morocco,’ continues to struggle with recovery efforts.
The earthquake’s immediate aftermath saw a surge in international aid and support. Rescue crews, including teams from Spain, worked alongside Moroccan emergency services to search for survivors and provide assistance. However, the transition from emergency response to long-term recovery has proven difficult, with reports of bureaucratic hurdles and logistical challenges delaying the delivery of much-needed aid.
As of September 11, 2023, the death toll from the earthquake had surpassed 2,400, according to the Associated Press. The scale of the devastation prompted a massive relief effort, but the ongoing struggles of survivors highlight the complexities of disaster recovery and the importance of transparent and efficient aid distribution. The protests in Rabat represent a growing sense of desperation among those who feel left behind, and a demand for greater accountability from authorities.
Morocco World News reported on May 2026 that it was celebrating its 15th anniversary, but did not provide any updates on the earthquake recovery efforts.
