Morocco's resilience drops 7 points after earthquake shattered confidence, report reveals

Morocco’s resilience score plummeted by seven points between 2021 and 2023, reaching 44 points, according to the World Risk Poll 2024 report.

The survey revealed a stark decline in Morocco’s resilience following the devastating earthquake that struck the country in September 2023. 

The study, conducted as part of the annual Gallup World Poll, indicates that the natural disaster has significantly impacted the Moroccan population’s ability to withstand future shocks.

The survey, based on over 147,000 interviews across 142 countries, found that Morocco experienced one of the most substantial drops in resilience globally. 

This decline was primarily attributed to a notable decrease in both individual and household resilience.

Before the earthquake, 23% of Moroccans reported experiencing a natural disaster in 2021, with floods, droughts, and wildfires being the most common. But this figure soared to 59% in 2023, as the earthquake directly or indirectly affected a staggering 87% of the population.

The seismic event had a profound impact on individual resilience. Only 23% of Moroccans now believe they can protect themselves or their families from future disasters, compared to 52% in 2021. 

Among those directly affected by the earthquake, this figure dropped to a mere 19%, indicating that large-scale disasters can significantly erode individuals’ sense of agency.

Household resilience also suffered a significant blow. Just 12% of Moroccans reported having a household disaster plan in 2023, down from 18% in 2021, suggesting a decline in confidence in households’ ability to cope with future crises.

The report said that the September 2023 earthquake was the most powerful to hit Morocco in over a century. The disaster, which directly affected nearly 380,000 people and resulted in approximately 3,000 fatalities, left deep psychological scars on the population.

While the earthquake reduced individuals’ sense of security and preparedness, the report noted that this phenomenon is not unique to Morocco. Countries experiencing conflict and instability often exhibit similar trends.

Despite the negative impacts, the survey also revealed a positive aspect of the Moroccan response. 

The country witnessed a surge in charitable donations following the earthquake, with the percentage of people donating increasing from 2% in 2022 to 18% in 2023 which reflects an increased willingness among Moroccans to support one another during times of crisis.