Over 51,000 Moroccan Families Receive Financial Aid After Al-Haouz Earthquake

Rabat – More than 51,000 families have received financial aid to rebuild their homes, according to a recent press release from the Head of Government’s office on Friday.

As of March 13, the families have been granted a first installment of MAD 20,000 ($2,000) each, totaling over MAD 1 billion ($99 million) in aid.

The assistance is meant for the reconstruction and repair of homes that were either partially or completely destroyed during the devastating September 8, earthquake.

In the statement, the government says that the initiative, which is overseen by the Interministerial Commission, has prioritized transparency and efficiency. Using a digital platform, authorities have ensured a clear and straightforward process to distribute aid to those in need.

Chairing the 9th meeting of the Commission in Rabat, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting affected communities.

A significant portion of the aid is earmarked for housing reconstruction, with 42,047 authorizations already granted for rebuilding projects. Over 8,600 damaged homes are currently undergoing reconstruction and repair work.

Beyond housing, efforts extend to the restoration of historical sites damaged by the earthquake, including the Saadian Tombs and the El Badii Palace.

In addition to housing reconstruction, the Commission has similarly focused on agricultural recovery, with 300,000 quintals of barley distributed to farmers in affected areas. The rehabilitation efforts also cover a program offering free livestock to impacted breeders, with plans to distribute 70,000 heads of livestock.

Education and healthcare sectors have also received attention. Plans are underway to demolish and rebuild 236 schools. Meanwhile, 42 priority health centers in affected regions are undergoing repair.

In the wake of the deadly earthquake, which had claimed nearly 3,000 lives, King Mohammed VI launched a comprehensive recovery plan with a budget of MAD 120 billion ($11.6 billion) over a period of five years.

The plan represents a multi-sectoral program covering the six provinces and prefectures affected by the earthquake including Marrakech, Al Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Azilal, and Ouarzazate.