Whole-of-government approach in disaster management: collaborative case study on the 2023 Morocco earthquake response

What is it about?

This study explores how Morocco managed the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake using a Whole-of-Government (WoG) approach, focusing on the coordination between military, government, and non-governmental actors. Using Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory, the research evaluates how effectively Morocco responded to the disaster, despite limited international aid. Through interviews, field observations, and data analysis, the study highlights both strengths—like seamless leadership coordination—and weaknesses, including poor local preparedness and misinformation challenges. The findings emphasize the need for a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to improve future responses by balancing centralized leadership with community participation. These insights offer practical lessons not only for Morocco but also for other countries facing similar disaster risks.

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