- Saudi Arabia has given Morocco $100 million in flood relief after flash floods made thousands of people homeless, officials have said.
Heavy storms and torrential rains at the end of October killed 28 Moroccans leaving 200 houses destroyed in various parts of the country. Two industrial zones were flooded in the port of Tangiers, according to reports.
Officials said fund is designed to finance emergency relief operations and help affected populations. "It will also contribute to developing response systems of different specialised bodies, particularly emergency and rescue units, building prevention installations and setting up warning systems," government statement said.
The gift from Saudi King Abdallah was aimed at "attenuating the effects of the bad weather in Morocco," the source said.
Besides Saudi gift, the fund will be financed by 1.1 billion dirhams (128 million dollars) from Moroccan public. The money will be spent on rescue operations and aid to victims.
Last month, flash floods following torrential rains across Morocco forced businesses to close and homes collapsed in what was described as the heaviest rains in the area for more than 20 years.
However rain levels in the north African country have been at their highest for 35 years during the past month, according to weather officials.
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