In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck Morocco last month, authorities are stepping up to provide financial assistance to families whose homes were destroyed. This earthquake tragically claimed nearly 3,000 lives and is expected to necessitate around $11.7 billion for reconstruction efforts over the next five years.
Following a meeting of a commission entrusted by King Mohammed VI to oversee the recovery efforts, the government has announced that starting October 6, an initial monthly payment of 2,500 Moroccan dirhams ($242) will be distributed to those affected.
The earthquake, which occurred on September 8, inflicted extensive damage on rural areas south of Marrakech, where basic infrastructure like unpaved mountain roads is prevalent, and the local economy relies heavily on herding and small-scale agriculture. As the cooler autumn nights set in, many people find themselves sleeping outdoors in donated tents, facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.
These cash payments are just one facet of the assistance that Morocco plans to offer to those displaced by the earthquake. The government will also provide temporary housing support and financial aid of up to 140,000 dirhams ($13,600) to help affected families rebuild their homes. Additionally, plans are in place to reconstruct about 1,000 schools and 42 health centers in the affected regions.
The Royal Cabinet stated on September 14 that these payments would benefit 50,000 households in the earthquake-stricken area. Roughly 4.2 million people reside in Marrakech and the five provinces most severely impacted by the earthquake.
Furthermore, Morocco has committed to improving and widening roads, offering additional assistance to farmers and herders, and subsidizing barley and animal feed in the areas hit hardest by the earthquake.
The earthquake caused damage to significant landmarks in the region, which is predominantly inhabited by Morocco's Amazigh-speaking minority.
To support disaster recovery efforts, Morocco established a special relief fund just three days after the earthquake, open to contributions from state funds and donations, both domestic and international, including from governments and humanitarian organizations.
Additionally, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), set to convene for its annual meetings in Marrakech next week, has approved a $1.3 billion loan to help Morocco enhance its resilience in the face of natural disasters.