Earthquake in Morocco

The devastating earthquake that hit Morocco late on Friday 8 September will create huge challenges for those seeking to address the impact on survivors.

Our partner HelpAge International has been assessing how older people will be affected by and how they can be supported.

Chris McIvor, HelpAge International's Regional Representative for Eurasia and the Middle East who previously spent three years working in Morocco said:

"As the death toll rises in Morocco, we are very concerned about the potential impact on the country's older population. The earthquake is going to have a particularly devastating impact on vulnerable people in hard-to-reach locations."

"With up to half a million people aged over 60 living in the affected area, we are focusing on what we can do to reach communities in need of support. We are monitoring the situation and reaching out to local agencies to assess how the specific needs of older people affected by the earthquake can be addressed."

Older people face very high risks in the aftermath of an earthquake. They are particularly vulnerable to shock and trauma and often take longer to recover from injuries, while needing urgent and specific medical assistance. The hardship caused when forced to sleep outside in difficult conditions can be challenging and older people often struggle to access humanitarian support , as well as other essential items such as regular medicine for chronic health conditions.

With aftershocks and an increasing death toll expected, older people will continue to be impacted in the days and weeks ahead, and the response must be inclusive of the needs of older people.