Somali magazine September 21,2023-The Kingdom of Morocco has received a $500,000 donation from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) aimed at providing immediate humanitarian relief to victims of the earthquake especially the hard-hit regions of Al Haouz, Chichaoua, Taroudant, Amizmiz and Marrakesh, following the devastation caused by a massive magnitude 6.8 earthquake.
The earthquake is the strongest to hit the nation’s centre in more than a century with a fatality rate reaching nearly 3,000, and many more injured. Historical and cultural sites have also suffered severe damage and many citizens have been left displaced.
The donation will be channeled towards assisting the Kingdom in its disaster recovery, relief, and reconstruction efforts. This support will enable the provision of basic needs of food, water, clothing, and shelter as well as restoring power and other essential services to impacted families.
Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, pointed out that,“We are committed to helping the Government of Morocco recover from this devastating earthquake. Providing food, water, and shelter is vital in the aftermath of the earthquake and today’s donation demonstrates our continued commitment to humanitarian relief efforts across Africa, in times of crises. It will lend a helping hand to support organizations on the ground as they continue recovery efforts. Our hearts and prayers go out to Morocco, a member state of the Bank and her citizens in these trying times.”
This support is consistent with the Bank’s response to humanitarian crises in its Member States including among others, the 2014 Ebola outbreak, Tropical Cyclone Idai in 2019, the Covid-19 relief efforts in 2020 and support to flood relief efforts in Southern Africa in 2022 and 2023.