In application of royal instructions, the Moroccan authorities announce the extension by 5 months of the duration of the payment of emergency aid dedicated to the rehabilitation of damaged homes.
The Head of the Moroccan Government, Aziz Akhannouch, announced Wednesday that emergency financial aid intended for populations affected by the Al Haouz earthquake will be extended for an additional five months, in accordance with the directives of King Mohammed VI.
This aid, amounting to 2,500 dirhams (255 USD), aims to support residents in completing repairs to their damaged homes.
Mr. Akhannouch made this statement during a press briefing following the presidency of the twelfth meeting of the interministerial committee responsible for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of areas affected by the earthquake.
He explained that this extension follows the completion of the initial twelve-month aid program. The decision aims to provide residents with the necessary support to finalize repairs to their homes in optimal conditions.
Mr. Akhannouch urged beneficiaries of the support program to accelerate their reconstruction efforts, stressing that initiatives aimed at reconstructing and rehabilitating the affected regions are progressing at a satisfactory pace.
The devastating earthquake struck central Morocco, mainly the Al Haouz region, in September 2023, causing nearly 3,000 deaths and thousands of injuries. The earthquake was felt throughout Morocco, as well as in Spain, Portugal and Algeria. This is the deadliest earthquake to hit the country since that of Agadir in 1960.
Besides Al Haouz, which was the most affected by the seismic event, several other provinces were also affected, including Marrakech, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Azilal and Ouarzazate.
Following the earthquake, King Mohammed VI launched a recovery plan with a budget of 120 billion dirhams ($11.6 billion) over a period of five years. The government also approved two decrees last month aimed at strengthening earthquake resistance in construction, mainly in areas affected by recent seismic events.
RT/SF/ac/APA
