On Thursday, Morocco announced the launch of an aid program to support and rebuild a home for residents of about 50,000 buildings damaged in last week’s devastating earthquake.
The magnitude 6.8 earthquake is the strongest ever to hit Morocco killing nearly 3,000 people and injuring more than 5,600 since it hit last Friday in Al-Haouz province, south of tourist hub Marrakesh.
Those who lost their homes will be provided with temporary shelter in “structures designed to withstand cold and bad weather, or in reception sites equipped with all the necessary amenities”, the royal office said in a statement following a meeting chaired by King Mohamed VI.
The exact number of those left homeless by the quake across Morocco’s Atlas mountain region is still unknown.
According to the royal office, 140,000 dirhams (about $13,600) would be allocated for homes that completely collapsed and 80,000 dirhams would be used to rebuild partially collapsed structures.
Morocco has urged rescue teams to come to its aid from Spain, Britain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, but has so far declined offers from many other nations, including the United States, France, and some Middle Eastern countries.
The reasons for their decision in these hard times are still under wide speculation.
