King Mohammed VI of Morocco and the central bank have decided to donate 2 billion Moroccan dirhams (approximately 200 million dollars) to the bank account dedicated to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck the country last Friday, leaving thousands dead and injured.
The Al Mada group (owned by the Moroccan royal family) has decided to donate 1 billion Moroccan dirhams (about 100 million dollars) to the account for earthquake victims.
The donation came “on the proposal of the main shareholder, King Mohammed VI,” according to the group.
Meanwhile, the Moroccan Central Bank announced its contribution of 1 billion Moroccan dirhams to the special fund to address the consequences of the earthquake.
In this context, many government and private institutions have decided to donate to the bank account designated for earthquake victims.
On Sunday, the Moroccan government announced opening a special account with the Treasury and the Bank of Morocco to receive solidarity contributions and donations from citizens, private, and public bodies.
Last Friday evening, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7 struck several major Moroccan cities, including the capital Rabat, Casablanca, Meknes, and Fez (north), as well as Marrakech, Agadir, and Taroudant (centre).
According to the latest data from the Ministry of the Interior, the earthquake resulted in 2,946 deaths and 5,674 injuries, in addition to significant material damage.
The Moroccan Royal Court, in a statement, said the government would grant emergency assistance worth 30,000 dirhams (about $3,000) to families affected by the earthquake.
Direct financial assistance of 140,000 dirhams (about $14,000) will be granted for totally collapsed houses, and 80,000 dirhams (some $8,000) for partially collapsed houses, the statement said.
