UK Pledges £1.45 Million to Help Morocco Rebuild After Devastating Earthquake
Britain Ramps Up Aid After 6.8 Magnitude Quake
Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon has announced that the UK will fork out up to £1.45 million to back Morocco’s recovery efforts following the catastrophic 6.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked the Marrakech-Safi region on 8 September.
The cash boost aims to tackle urgent relief needs and support long-term rebuilding in the worst-hit communities. Funds will help improve health services, provide shelter, boost local farming, and protect Morocco’s unique biodiversity — all aligned with the country’s five-year recovery blueprint.
Jeremy Hunt Backs Morocco’s Resilience
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt praised the Moroccan people’s strength amid the disaster. “The UK always stands ready to help friends in need,” Hunt said. “This extra £1.45 million will assist Moroccans in rebuilding their lives.”
Lord Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, the UN, and the Commonwealth, stressed that UK-Morocco ties are stronger than ever. He confirmed more support remains on standby as the partnership flourishes.
A Crucial Week in Marrakech
The announcement coincides with the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings taking place in Marrakech this week. Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell and Chancellor Hunt are both attending to further engage with relief efforts.
Mitchell will meet with UK and NGO partners like the Global Diversity Foundation, which works alongside Morocco’s Biodiversity and Livelihoods Association. Together, they’re expanding projects with local farmers and cooperatives to revive high-quality agricultural products and protect biodiversity, speeding the region’s recovery.
Meanwhile, Hunt plans to visit Le Trou Au Mur — a British-run restaurant in Marrakech’s Medina — to meet British businesspeople supporting earthquake relief.
UK Rescue Crews on the Ground Early
Right after the disaster, the UK’s International Search and Rescue Team (UK-ISAR) was deployed to assist Moroccan authorities in the remote Atlas Mountains near the quake’s epicentre. They hunted for survivors amid the rubble and helped evacuate vulnerable residents from unsafe buildings.
The UK Emergency Medical Team (UK EMT) also arrived swiftly to assess both immediate and ongoing medical needs and coordinate response efforts.
With the UK doubling down on aid, Morocco’s path to recovery just got a powerful boost.
