“I was struck by Morocco’s remarkable ability to respond quickly and effectively when faced with such challenges,” writes the author of the article, James Duddridge, former British international trade minister and former minister in responsible for African issues.
Emergency measures in Morocco were taken from the first moments following the earthquake and included the intervention of the Royal Armed Forces, local authorities, security services, as well as relevant departments, says Mr Duddridge.
“In the space of 48 hours, Morocco partially reopened a vital road to the area affected by the earthquake, creating a living corridor for the delivery of aid to the hardest hit regions,” specifies the current member of the House of Commons, noting that military helicopters have not stopped participating in rescue and relief operations, while Moroccans have mobilized as part of a remarkable surge of popular solidarity to help people in need.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI went to the bedside of the injured in a hospital, where he inquired directly about the care provided and donated his blood in solidarity with the victims, recalls the same source.
These rapid relief measures were only the beginning, observes “The Telegraph”, indicating that in the three days following the earthquake, the Moroccan government established a National Solidarity Fund and Royal Directives were issued. been given, including measures aimed not only at rebuilding, but also completely transforming and improving the affected areas, while preserving local culture and heritage.
“His Majesty the King’s Directives were clear and simple: All resources must be mobilized effectively so that no one remains homeless. Morocco’s response is considerable, ranging from immediate care and the provision of emergency temporary housing to rapid launch of reconstruction efforts”, maintains the mass circulation publication.
A program specifically targets around 50,000 homes which have completely or partially collapsed in the five affected provinces, and temporary emergency housing, which favors structures built to withstand difficult weather conditions, it is detailed.
Special arrangements have been made for children orphaned by the earthquake, the publication said, stressing that they were quickly considered wards of the Nation and qualified teams are seeking to have them adopted quickly within family structures. .
“As Morocco commits to rebuilding after the earthquake, we can expect other strong measures that will not only benefit the victims, but will go beyond transforming this challenge into an opportunity for progress and the resilience of Al Haouz and its neighboring regions,” assures the newspaper.
The long friendship which links Morocco to many countries has enabled many of them to provide immediate aid, the daily continues, welcoming the mobilization of the United Kingdom alongside Morocco.
“Morocco has done so much for other nations and it is comforting to see that it is reciprocal,” said the media, believing that “this further strengthens the bonds of friendship and partnership between our two Nations. global institutions have demonstrated their trust and faith in Morocco.
He added that “the greatest support we can give to Morocco and its courageous people is to engage with them even more than before.”
The country’s commitment to progress and moving forward will be manifested through Marrakech’s hosting of the annual meetings of the World Bank and the IMF next month, notes “The Telegraph”, ensuring that the welcome of visitors and tourists in Morocco is as warm as before.
Interview between Time.news Editor (TNE) and James Duddridge (JD), Former British International Trade Minister
TNE: Welcome, James Duddridge. Thank you for joining us to discuss Morocco’s remarkable response to the recent earthquake. You mentioned in your article how swiftly the country mobilized resources. What struck you the most about this response?
JD: Thank you for having me. I was genuinely impressed by Morocco’s ability to coordinate such a multifaceted response in the face of adversity. From the outset, the intervention of the Royal Armed Forces, local authorities, and security services was immediate and organized. This rapid mobilization played a crucial role in addressing the urgent needs of the affected communities.
TNE: It’s fascinating how quickly they managed to reopen vital roads to facilitate aid delivery. Can you elaborate on how this impacted the relief efforts?
JD: Absolutely. Within 48 hours, Morocco managed to reopen a key road to the earthquake-stricken areas, which was critical for transporting aid. This accomplishment created a living corridor for humanitarian assistance, ensuring that emergency supplies could reach those in desperate need. The logistical efficiency demonstrated by the Moroccan authorities was commendable.
TNE: You mentioned the role of the military and the sense of popular solidarity among the Moroccan people. How did these elements intersect in the aftermath of the disaster?
JD: The military’s involvement was significant—helicopters were deployed for rescue and relief operations, showcasing how institutional resources were rapidly dedicated to public welfare. Meanwhile, the Moroccans themselves surged to help one another, reflecting a profound sense of unity and solidarity. This grassroots mobilization amplified the government’s efforts, reinforcing the community support necessary for a robust recovery.
TNE: King Mohammed VI’s personal involvement, including visiting victims and donating blood, also stood out in your article. What does this signify for the Moroccan people?
JD: His Majesty the King’s direct engagement sends a powerful message about national solidarity. It reassures citizens that their leaders are not only involved in governance but also genuinely care for the well-being of their people. This kind of personal touch in leadership can strengthen communal bonds and inspire greater public cooperation during crises.
TNE: Post-earthquake recovery is often challenging. How is Morocco planning to address the long-term reconstruction and development in the affected regions?
JD: The Moroccan government has initiated a National Solidarity Fund just three days after the earthquake. This fund is designed to support not only the immediate recovery but also longer-term rebuilding efforts. The directives from the King emphasize a comprehensive approach that aims to improve living conditions and infrastructure while respecting local culture and heritage.
TNE: That’s essential for sustainable recovery. What specific measures are being taken to ensure that no one is left homeless?
JD: A targeted program is being implemented for approximately 50,000 homes that were either partially or completely destroyed across the affected provinces. The focus is on providing temporary emergency housing while also laying the groundwork for permanent solutions. The idea is to create structures that are not only functional but also resilient to future challenges.
TNE: It’s impressive to see such proactive measures being taken. In your view, what lesson can other nations learn from Morocco’s response to this disaster?
JD: One key takeaway is the importance of swift and coordinated action, driven by both government and community initiatives. Preparedness, clear communication, and strong leadership during disasters can significantly mitigate the impact. Additionally, prioritizing cultural sensitivity in rebuilding efforts is crucial for fostering community support and ensuring the resilience of affected populations.
TNE: James, thank you for sharing your insights on Morocco’s response to this tragic event. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.
JD: Thank you for having me. It’s important to highlight the efforts and humanity that come to the forefront in such times.