Morocco earthquake and Libya dam floods

In the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco an earthquake shook the land on 8 September 2023, killing close to 3000 people, destroying homes, infrastructure, social networks and livelihoods in the provinces of Al-Haouz (the epicentre) and Taroudant. Days later two dams collapsed destroying 25% of Berna City of Libya, resulting in deaths of over 10 000 people and loss of livelihoods, homes, social networks and infrastructure on 11 September. The collapse followed heavy rains for 8 months – rains that were as a result of the Mediterranean Storm Daniel.

The Morocco and Libya disasters are not directly related, however, in both Morocco and Libya, basic needs (health, shelter, water and food) were impacted, economic needs (cash and infrastructure) and need to be restored. As well, psychological needs (mental health and social networks) needed action.

In Morocco, the monarchy government worked swiftly with partners. In Libya, because of conflict and war, support was slow.

There are political, social, developmental, economic and environmental dimensions to these disasters. An emerging and important dimension for social work and development is the environmental dimension. Environmental work in social work and development should be seen in Africa as:

1. Prevention, anticipation of natural disasters.
2. Anticipation and preparedness for environmental disasters.
3. Reduction and reversal of climate change.
4. Improved infrastructure and shelters.
5. Political stability which brings better administration of environmental programs and better mobilisation and distribution of resources.
6. Post disaster support to families and communities – mental health, isolation, food, shelter, water and land.
7. Restoring social networks or making new connections after disasters.
8. Access to adequate land to avoid overcrowding.
9. Governments and communities taking the leading role, NGOs and INGOs as partners.

To read more about environmental social work in Africa, read the page below or access it here.

Environmental social work refers to a collection of strategies and methods used by social workers to solve or prevent social problems or facilitate development using the environment in a reciprocal and sustainable manner.

Mushunje and Matsika, 2023

From this definition, it can be said environmental social work is about:

1. Preventing social problems that are caused by the environment, in a reciprocal and sustainable manner.
2. Addressing or solving social problems caused by the environment, in a reciprocal and sustainable manner.
3. Facilitate development using the environment, in a reciprocal and sustainable manner.
4. Empowering people to use the environment for welfare, livelihoods and development.
5. Ensure access to the environment for all.
6. Decolonise the environment – for example reversing and stopping replacement of indigenous plant and animal species with exotic ones.

In this case, reciprocity refers to maintenance of mutual benefit of the environment and humans t ensure sustainability. Sustainability refers to everlasting availability and usefulness. Reciprocal sustainability therefore considers both the environment and humans. These principles are important in managing the current crisis in Morocco and Libya, and preventing or managing future social problems arising from environmental disasters.