Disasters cost Morocco over $575 million per year, according to a recent report by the World Bank.
The report, entitled “From Disasters to Opportunities: Building a Resilient Future in Morocco.” said that the countryhas made significant progress in recent years towards becoming a more disaster and climate-resistant nation, thanks to a strong partnership with the World Bank.
This shift represents a dramatic change from simply responding to emergencies after disasters strike, to proactively building resilience beforehand.
Prior to 2008, Morocco’s approach to disasters was reactive. Aid focused on responding to immediate needs after an earthquake, flood, or drought.
However, the World Bank supported a crucial shift in strategy. The focus moved towards “ex-ante” resilience building, meaning proactive measures are taken to reduce risk and prepare for potential disasters.
This new approach has yielded impressive results. Since 2016, over 230 disaster risk reduction projects have been financed and implemented, with a total value exceeding $304 million.
These projects have directly benefited around 400,000 Moroccans, with a further 33 million indirectly impacted.
One key achievement is the creation of a dedicated Directorate for Disaster Risk Management within the Moroccan government.
Additionally, Morocco’s first National Disaster Risk Management Strategy, outlining a clear roadmap for the next decade, was established in 2021.
According to the report, Morocco has implemented an innovative disaster risk financing (DRF) system. This public-private partnership provides coverage for the entire population.
Private insurance safeguards individuals, while a public Solidarity Fund offers support to those in greatest need.
The effectiveness of this system was demonstrated in 2023 when a devastating earthquake struck the Al Haouz region. Thanks to the DRF system, $300 million was quickly unlocked to assist with recovery efforts.
Early warning systems are another vital component of Morocco’s disaster preparedness. Currently, flood risk early warning systems are operational in four pilot provinces, directly benefitting an estimated 240,000 people. This allows for timely evacuation and minimizes potential casualties.
Despite the progress made, challenges remain. Morocco is highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its geographical location. Earthquakes, floods, landslides, and droughts are all significant threats.
The Al-Haouz earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the potential devastation. It affected hundreds of thousands, destroyed countless buildings, and tragically claimed nearly 3,000 lives.
Looking to the future, Morocco faces additional challenges. Urbanization and climate change are expected to exacerbate existing risks. More frequent and intense floods and droughts are a looming threat.
Over the past fifteen years, three separate World Bank operations have provided over $580 million in funding to Morocco.
These funds have supported vital institutional reforms, capacity building initiatives, and crucial investments in risk reduction measures.
Additionally, technical assistance has been provided on critical issues such as urban resilience, infrastructure protection, and strengthening building regulations.
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