Rabat, Oct. 27 (MAP) - Upon instructions from king Mohammed VI, Morocco has pooled efforts in a large-scale operation to relieve the flood-stricken populations in various regions of the country, a press release of the Interior Ministry said on Monday.
Concerted efforts are being made by the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), the Royal Gendarmerie (rural police), as well as the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity to provide efficient support to the actions of the local authorities to help the flood victims, it said.
A total of about MAD 13.5mln ($1.53mln) has been earmarked to provide emergency and medium-run needs of the population, the source recalled.
Rescue services have substantially raised their personnel to provide tents and blankets, and to pump out water from houses and cleanse mud-covered areas.
Priority was also given to re-establishing communication means, while the army and the Transport Ministry are joining means and logistics to speed up the re-opening of roads.
For their part, the water and electricity companies (ONEP and ONE) are endeavoring to provide drinking water and re-build electricity grids.
Besides, the Health Ministry has deployed large human resources and equipment, and is in constant contact with the army, which has erected a central warehouse in the central city of Meknes to reinforce the supply and handling actions by land and air means.
At least thirty people died since torrential rains struck the north African country since the beginning of the month. The rains also damaged infrastructure in different parts of Morocco.