Light After Loss: Illuminating Earthquake-Affected Villages in Morocco

October 16, 2025

In remote mountain communities left dark and isolated by disaster, solar lighting brings safety, mobility, and the power to rebuild.

In the aftermath of Morocco’s devastating 2023 earthquakes, the villages of Douar Aguerd and Douar Agansou were plunged into darkness. Damaged poles and collapsed cables cut off electricity, while the 2-kilometer road linking the two villages was left unlit and impassable at night. Daily life came to a standstill after sundown: fetching water, accessing emergency services, or simply moving between homes became nearly impossible.

In partnership with LIONS Club Unité ENCG Settat, Signify Foundation supported the installation of solar streetlights across the villages, illuminating streets, sports fields, and public gathering spaces. Today, more than 300 families, 50% of whom are women and girls, benefit from restored safety, mobility, and a sense of normalcy.

These new lights have not only brought visibility but also symbolised resilience. Villagers witnessed their homes and streets illuminated for the first time in months, an emotional moment that marked a turning point in their recovery.

The impact extends beyond light. Two educational institutions and local sports facilities are now safely accessible at night, providing children and youth with a safe space to learn and play, even after dark.

Beyond infrastructure, LIONS Club Unité ENCG Settat also provided critical humanitarian aid in the wake of the earthquake, distributing food baskets, winter clothing, blankets, and delivering medical support during the earliest and most difficult days of the crisis.