Moroccan authorities will provide financial assistance to families whose homes were destroyed in a recent earthquake that claimed nearly 3,000 lives.
The earthquake occurred on September 8, devastating rural regions south of Marrakech, where infrastructure is lacking, and the economy relies on herding and small-scale agriculture.
An initial monthly payment of 2,500 Moroccan dirhams ($242) will be disbursed to affected families starting on October 6.
The estimated reconstruction funds needed over the next five years are approximately $11.7 billion.
Morocco plans to offer various forms of relief, including temporary rehousing assistance, financial support to rebuild destroyed homes (up to 140,000 dirhams or $13,600 per household), and rebuilding of schools and health centers.
The relief efforts will target 50,000 households in the affected region, where approximately 4.2 million people reside.
The earthquake damaged landmarks in the region primarily inhabited by Morocco's Amazigh-speaking minority.
Morocco established a special disaster relief fund, open to state funds and donations from within and outside the country, including contributions from governments and aid organizations.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $1.3 billion loan to help Morocco enhance its resilience to natural disasters.
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