The kingdom of Morocco managed, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the repercussions of the earthquake that hit the kingdom on Friday 8th of September in the region of Al Haouz. Al Haouz earthquake required the mobilization and intervention of the state in its various institutions to alleviate the horror of the tragedy and help the affected population.

Thanks to the mobilization of all authorities and agencies, as well as the synergy and solidarity of all Moroccans, all public and private institutions intervened to overcome the repercussions of the natural disaster. They have worked in clear and specific directions within the framework of the royal directives, starting from the intervention of His Majesty the King, who chaired, within ten days, three important and essential meetings during which priorities were precisely determined.

The concerned ministers visited the affected areas, and there was no time to waste in the period of the crisis. Fieldwork is being carried out at the level of all affected areas to complete the census of those affected, and as soon as the data is received, the disbursement of aid has been executed.

Data collected and concerned sectors have intervened

All the important data has been collected to repair damaged infrastructure, especially roads, schools, and other facilities that provide social services to citizens. The aim is to rebuild, build, and strengthen various infrastructures, and advance the economic climate of these areas.

All relevant sectors are present on the ground and are following up on research, and the country is mobilized to respond quickly and effectively to these challenges despite climate constraints. The need to continue working with the same momentum to preserve the gains launch the construction phase and restore life in the affected areas, quickly and effectively, in a way that enhances their economic components and ensures decent living.

The Natural Disaster Fund is activated and financial allocations are allocated for it on the occasion of each fiscal year, but the earthquake tragedy had very major repercussions. His Majesty the King gave his high instructions so that the program for the reconstruction and general rehabilitation of the affected areas becomes a model for integrated and balanced territorial development.

Managing the effects of the AlHaouz earthquake is present in the directions of the Finance Law of 2024, the financial management of the repercussions of this natural disaster falls within the framework of the special fund for managing the effects of the earthquake.

The rubble of destroyed buildings in the regions affected by Friday's earthquake was described as the "most violent" in 120 years. Correspondents reported a noticeable increase in the number of Moroccan forces, police, and relief workers in the regions around the epicenter of the earthquake, the town of Ighil, during the night of the earthquake right after the high instructions of King Mohammed VI. It was noted from the first day that the Moroccan army used modern technological equipment to try to save lives from under the rubble.

New technologies in rescue operations

The equipment includes “Wonder Bee” drones, which are considered among the most important means of search, rescue, and monitoring that accompany search and rescue operations, as well as missions to deliver aid to stricken areas.

This “drone” is distinguished by its ability to land and take off from anywhere without the need for a runway. It uses an engine that does not emit a loud noise, and its continuous flight period reaches two and a half hours, during which it covers an area of 50 kilometers.

The Moroccan army announced, in a statement, that it had deployed intervention units, aircraft, and logistical centers to provide the necessary support to those affected by the earthquake, as well as intervention units, planes, helicopters, drones, and engineering means.

The kingdom army has also established logistical centers intending to provide the necessary support to all concerned sectors and affected homes, as well as field hospitals to treat the wounded, and carrying out missions to distribute relief supplies in temporary shelter centers and transport the injured people using helicopters.

From the Royal Air Forces Schools base in the city of Marrakesh, helicopters of the type “Chinook CH47”, “Puma SE 330” and “Puma SE 205” carry out between 35 and 40 missions daily, depending on weather conditions and the nature of the landing terrain, to reach affected areas which are difficult to reach by road.

Unprecedented popular solidarity with Moroccans affected by the earthquake

With a frail body, on a simple bicycle, an old man approaches a group of young men to give them half a bag of flour. This bag represents his daily living, but he decided to give it to an association for the benefit of those affected by the Moroccan earthquake.

This came in a video recording shared by Moroccans on social media platforms, and it was taken in the city of Tiznit, central Morocco, during the process of collecting aid and donations as part of an initiative launched by the city’s youth, to later send it to the areas affected by the earthquake.

There are many similar scenes shared by people on social media, showing the widening circle of solidarity in Morocco with those affected by the earthquake. Several campaigns were organized by charitable organizations, other associations, and individuals to collect donations and aid for those affected. Moroccans quickly responded in a race to extend a helping hand by organizing solidarity convoys with those affected by the earthquake in the provinces of Al Haouz, Chichaoua, Taroudant, and Ouarzazate (north). Trucks and vehicles came from various countries, loaded with food and relief aid, such as blankets, mattresses, and clothes. Moroccans continue to collect aid, including various basic materials and needs, in addition to Para-medical supplies and medicines.

International solidarity with Morocco after the devastating earthquake

Arab and Western countries offered their condolences to Morocco for the earthquake victims; at the same time, the European Union and the United Nations expressed their readiness to provide support. US President Joe Biden expressed “deep sadness for the victims of the Moroccan earthquake,” in a message he addressed to the Kingdom, which the White House published on its official website.

For his part, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a letter addressed to Moroccan King Mohammed VI: “I was shocked to learn that a strong earthquake had occurred in your esteemed country, causing huge losses and damage to property.”

In turn, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to “the friendly Moroccan people,” according to a statement published by the Kremlin on its website, about a condolence message that the president sent to King Mohammed VI.

As for the United Nations, it announced its readiness to support the Moroccan government in its efforts to help the population affected by the earthquake.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his sadness and solidarity with the government and people of Morocco following the earthquake, which was described as the most violent in the country in a century.

Schulz wrote on the “X” platform: “The news coming out of Morocco is horrific”.

For his part, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered his condolences to the families of the victims of the "tragedy" of the violent earthquake that struck Morocco.

For his part, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sent his condolences to the relatives of the victims of the “devastating” earthquake in Morocco.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to declare international solidarity with Morocco, during his opening speech at the G20 summit in the capital, New Delhi.