Morocco earthquake: MSF teams mobilize to assess needs

This article was updated on September 11, 2023.

NEW YORK, September 9, 2023—A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco late yesterday evening local time in the High Atlas mountains, killing more than 2,600 people and leaving more than 2,500 injured, according to state media. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams are on the ground assessing the needs in the region. 

Hospitals in Marrakech have received a huge influx of injured people, but they remain functional. We expect the greatest unmet needs for medical humanitarian assistance to be in the nearby High Atlas, where damage to roads caused by the earthquake has cut off access to mountain settlements.

Avril Benoît, executive director of MSF-USA, gave the following statement today: 

"We are saddened by the tragic news of the earthquake in Morocco and the growing number of reported victims. MSF does not have an established presence in the country but is making contacts with local authorities, in order to send our emergency medical and humanitarian teams to assess needs and provide support if needed. 

"Local people are the key to the initial response, when searching for survivors is vital. Earthquake survivors often require medical care such as surgery or dialysis, which can be a challenge when local health systems are affected by a disaster. Restoring health services and providing essential supplies can also be a priority at this stage. Our response will depend on the needs that are assessed on site."