The Moroccan Insurance Federation (FMA) announced extending the deadline for filing earthquake-related claims.
Starting September 28, 2023, earthquake survivors have an additional 20 days to report any material or health damages resulting from the devastating September 8 earthquake.
The earthquake, which struck the Al Haouz region, has left many individuals and families grappling with significant losses and damages. Official data indicates that nearly 60,000 homes sustained partial or total damage.
According to Morocco’s Ministry of Economy, the earthquake affected 2,930 villages in 163 municipalities, with an estimated 2.8 million people affected.
In a statement reported in the convergence media, the FMA called on insured persons to contact their respective insurance providers to obtain detailed information on the settlement of claims. Insurers are obligated to provide all necessary information regarding insurance policies eligible for compensation, the statement explained.
“The contracts in question are numerous and include automobile insurance for vehicle damage, as well as bodily harm suffered by the owner, their spouse, and their children,” the federation said in its statement.
Not only is this the worst earthquake Morocco has experienced in 60 years, but the World Bank estimates that it will cause a loss of eight percent of the country’s GDP, or about $10.7 billion. The news comes a week after Morocco announced a massive reconstruction plan for the affected areas.
The country has pledged $11.6 billion in funding for a five-year reconstruction plan. In addition to rebuilding damaged infrastructure, the plan aims to rehabilitate the affected areas and boost economic integration.