Morocco Offers $3,000 for Each Affected Family

Moroccan King Mohammed VI reviewed plans for housing those affected by the Marrakech earthquake on Thursday. A statement from the royal palace, published by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated that the king chaired "a working meeting dedicated to activating the urgent program for re-housing the affected and caring for the most vulnerable groups impacted by the Al Haouz earthquake." The statement noted that the initial phase involves planning to build approximately 50,000 homes that were either completely or partially destroyed in the earthquake-affected area. It further mentioned that there will be "urgent initiatives for temporary housing... through appropriate formats on-site, in buildings resistant to cold and weather disturbances, or in prepared reception areas equipped with all essential facilities." Additionally, the state will provide "emergency assistance amounting to 30,000 dirhams (approximately $2,925) for the affected families" and direct financial assistance of 140,000 dirhams for homes that were completely destroyed, along with 80,000 dirhams to cover rehabilitation work for partially collapsed homes. The statement also highlighted the king's commitment to caring for orphaned children who lost their families, granting them the status of "wards of the nation."