British daily “The Telegraph” noted, in its September 17 edition, that Morocco has once again shown its resilience in difficult times, responding with determination and unfailing serenity under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI following the earthquake that shook the Kingdom.
The article’s author, former British Minister for International Trade and former Minister for African Affairs, James Duddridge, wrote that he has “been struck by Morocco’s remarkable ability to respond swiftly and effectively when confronted with such challenges.”
Duddridge added that emergency measures in Morocco were taken since the earthquake’s first moments and included the intervention of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), local authorities, security services, and other relevant departments.
“In the short span of 48 hours, Morocco partially reopened a vital route to the earthquake-affected area, creating a lifeline for aid delivery to the hardest-hit regions,” stressed Duddridge (House of Commons MP), further noting that military helicopters have not stopped participating in rescue and relief operations, while Moroccans have mobilized in a remarkable solidarity effort to help those in need.
The author also recalled His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s visit to the injured in the hospital, where he enquired about the treatments provided and made a blood donation in solidarity with the victims.
“The Telegraph” stressed that these rapid relief measures were only the tip of the iceberg, noting that within three days of the earthquake, the Moroccan government had created a National Solidarity Fund, and Royal Directives were issued, including measures not only to rebuild but also to completely transform and improve the affected areas, while preserving local culture and heritage.
“The directives from the King were clear and simple: All resources must be effectively mobilized to ensure that no one is left without shelter,” underlined the newspaper, stressing that “Morocco’s response is extensive, ranging from immediate care and the provision of emergency temporary housing to the rapid initiation of reconstruction efforts.”
The British newspaper further shed light on a program targeting approximately 50,000 homes that have completely or partially collapsed in the five affected provinces, and temporary emergency housing, which favors structures built to withstand harsh weather conditions.
The daily newspaper also reported that special arrangements have been launched for children orphaned by the earthquake, adding that they have been quickly considered wards of the nation while qualified teams are seeking to have them rapidly adopted by appropriate families.
“As Morocco pledges to rebuild in the aftermath of the earthquake, we can anticipate further strong measures that will not only benefit the victims but also turn this terrible challenge into an opportunity for the progress and resilience of Al Haouz and its neighboring regions,” emphasized “The Telegraph.”
The British daily also highlighted Morocco’s long-standing friendship with several countries that has enabled many of these countries to provide immediate assistance, praising in this regard the UK’s mobilization alongside Morocco.
“Morocco has done so much for other nations, and it is heartwarming to see this reciprocated,” noted the newspaper, stressing that “this steadfast support further strengthens the bonds of friendship and partnership between our two nations.”
The British daily added that “the greatest support we can give Morocco and its courageous people is to engage even more fully than before.”
“The Telegraph” also stressed that the Kingdom’s commitment to progress and development will be demonstrated by the hosting of the annual meetings of the World Bank (WB) Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Marrakech in October, affirming that visitors and tourists to Morocco are as warmly welcomed as ever.