Morocco plans to invest $760 million in emergency stockpiles and storage infrastructure

In a move to strengthen its disaster preparedness, Morocco plans to invest 7 billion dirhams ($760 million) in emergency supplies and storage platforms across the country, following the devastating 2023 earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains.

Morocco has announced a 7 billion dirham ($760 million) initiative to build storage platforms and stockpile essential emergency supplies nationwide, state media reported. The project aims to enhance the country’s capacity to respond swiftly to natural disasters and emergencies.

The initiative follows directives from King Mohammed VI, issued in the aftermath of the powerful September 2023 earthquake that struck the High Atlas Mountains, claiming over 2,900 lives and causing widespread damage to infrastructure and housing.

In recent years, Morocco has experienced a range of climate-related disasters, including flash floods, wildfires, cold waves, and prolonged droughts. The new program is intended to boost national resilience to such recurring challenges.

As part of the plan, 2 billion dirhams will be allocated to the construction of 36 storage facilities covering 240 hectares across various regions of the country. An additional 5 billion dirhams will be used to procure emergency supplies.

The supplies to be stockpiled include tents, beds, blankets, mobile kitchens, bakeries, field hospitals, water purification units, emergency generators, and specialized equipment for responding to floods, landslides, and chemical hazards.

The initiative underscores Morocco's efforts to establish a robust emergency response system and safeguard its population against the growing frequency of extreme events.

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