According to the latest balance sheet released by the Moroccan government, the Al Haouz region in the High Atlas is working to heal the wounds left by the recent earthquake that claimed thousands of lives a month ago. About 6,000 people were also injured. After the initial weeks of emergency response, the nation is shifting focus to rebuilding the entire region.
1. Restructuring
Authorities plan to allocate 120 billion dirhams, roughly 11 billion euros, for the reconstruction of the affected area. The plan aims to benefit 4.2 million residents across the impacted zones and will span five years. Specifically, about 56,500 homes were damaged by the earthquake. Homeless residents are expected to receive between 7,000 and 13,000 euros to repair their homes. The government has opened pathways for donations from friendly countries and private organizations to support reconstruction.
Two weeks after the quake, officials began counting the affected population and inspecting damaged homes to distribute aid. Starting from this week, deliveries have begun. A monthly aid of 2,500 dirhams is being provided to affected families for one year, equal to about 230 euros. A major challenge of the reconstruction is to reinforce houses so they can better withstand future earthquakes, since many dwellings are built of adobe and can collapse easily.
2. Difficult terrain
Officials report that 2.8 million people were affected across about 3,000 towns, including many small, hard-to-reach villages with limited services. Reaching these isolated communities proved to be a major challenge for emergency teams.
By the third week after the earthquake, authorities had opened roads and tracks that were previously blocked. Landslides and rockfalls still render some routes impassable, but these connections are crucial because many villages lack basic services and residents must travel to larger towns for medical care or weekly markets.
3. Harsh climatic conditions
The looming winter is the greatest worry for residents, especially in high valleys and towns near the epicenter where snowfall is heavy. People have stockpiled food and essential items to survive the cold. Many remain displaced and sleep in tents.
Last winter, nearly 400,000 people faced isolation after one of the country’s largest snowfalls, with up to two meters of snow in the Ouarzazate region, about 100 kilometers from the epicenter. Water scarcity and severe storms add to the risk, bringing heavy rainfall that can trigger floods and landslides.
4. Schooling and studies
Thirty-three schools near the epicenter were completely destroyed. Authorities report a total of 774 educational institutions, leaving 30,000 children without lessons. About 6,000 students from the hardest-hit areas were relocated to Marrakech and provided with meals, lodging, and transportation to continue classes temporarily.
In other provinces, the Ministry of National Education provided tents and temporary facilities to serve as classrooms while prefabricated classrooms are planned. Reports indicate that 200 tents, equipped with materials for education, were placed in damaged villages. Morocco also announced ongoing care for all children who have become orphans due to the earthquake.
5. Mental health
The quake has taken a toll on mental health for many residents, including those far from the epicenter. Fear, anxiety, and insomnia are common. Mental health professionals note that urgent support is essential to prevent long-term problems, as care can be overlooked in the rush to address visible injuries.
A nurse involved in the response emphasized the need for immediate access to mental health services to support survivors and prevent lasting harm in affected communities.
6. Tourism and economic impact
The region fears a downturn in tourism, a key economic activity for many families. Mountainous landscapes attract nature lovers and school groups, and the earthquake struck at the start of the high season. In Marrakech, located about sixty kilometers from the epicenter, there are concerns about cancellations and redirection of travelers to other destinations. Local guides note that media images often show the most affected towns, yet tourist towns nearby remain safe and welcoming.
The National Tourism Office has launched efforts to revive the sector with a campaign inviting Moroccans to visit Marrakech and the surrounding region, signaling solidarity and resilience in the wake of the disaster.