Morocco extends by 5 months financial assistance to quake-hit households

Morocco extended by five months financial assistance offered to quake-hit households, after the expiry of the first 12-month phase in October, the head of the government’s office said in a statement.

Morocco has offered 2500 dirhams ($250) to families who have been hit by the quake of September 8, 2023, that hit the Atlas mountains leaving nearly 3000 deaths.

Reconstruction was in progress in 50,807 homes, the statement said adding that 56,095 reconstruction permits have been handed.

So far, 57,703 families have received a first batch of cash assistance at 20,000 dirhams, while 26,110 households received the second batch and 12,839 received the third payment.

The last payment was sent to 1,868 families, the prime minsiter’s office said in the statement.

Work is in progress to upgrade or rebuild health centers (532 million dirhams), roads (160 million dirhams) and schools, it said.

Some 30,000 livestock have been distributed to some 3000 farmers as the government also offers support to upgrade guest houses in support of tourist activity.