In response to the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco on September 8, King Mohammed VI has announced a significant financial commitment to aid in the recovery process.

According to BBC reports, the Moroccan government will allocate $11.6 million (equivalent to 120 billion dirhams) to rebuild the areas affected by the earthquake and provide support to more than 4.2 million individuals impacted by the disaster.

The palace’s official statement, released on Wednesday, outlined the allocation of funds over a five-year period, with the primary objectives being the rehousing of affected residents, the reconstruction of damaged homes, and the restoration of critical infrastructure.

ALSO READ: Morocco earthquake claims 600 lives

The earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, resulted in the tragic loss of over 2,900 lives and left more than 5,000 individuals injured. It was the most powerful earthquake recorded in Morocco in over six decades.

To facilitate the recovery efforts, Morocco has previously received substantial international support, amounting to $700 million in donations.

The earthquake’s destructive force took a toll on infrastructure and led to the destruction of more than 50,000 homes in the High Atlas Mountains region.

To bridge the financial gap for reconstruction, the Moroccan government, international aid, and continued contributions to the earthquake recovery fund will be utilized.