Morocco’s Earthquake Victims Face Dismal Conditions Amid Ramadan Rains
Morocco’s earthquake victims are facing severe conditions as heavy rains flood makeshift shelters in the Atlas Mountains. Despite a $12 billion recovery plan, assistance remains lacking and bureaucratic delays persist. Survivors continue to live in tents, exacerbated by unavoidable winter conditions during Ramadan. Government focus on infrastructure, such as World Cup preparations, is criticized amid these dire living conditions.
In Morocco, the victims of last year’s earthquake continue to suffer as heavy rain floods their temporary shelters. Camps in the Atlas Mountains, such as Talat N’Yaacoub, have become uninhabitable, causing families to huddle in damp conditions while awaiting promised aid. Despite the government’s declaration of a recovery program worth $12 billion, many survivors report delays and inadequate assistance.
Since March 9, relentless rain has exacerbated the situation, damaging fragile infrastructure and flooding makeshift homes. Survivors find their tents collapsing under water, highlighting the dire need for immediate action. Halima, a victim recalling her experience, stated, “The tents are no longer liveable […] We have nothing to keep warm.”
Government pledges of compensation, providing 140,000 dirhams for completely destroyed homes and 80,000 for partially damaged ones, have not been fulfilled as anticipated. Activists express concern over the disparity between the state’s claims of significant rebuilding efforts and the stagnant conditions on the ground. “Most families, regardless of how much they lost, are only receiving the minimum amount,” noted Hussein Ait Mahdi of the Al-Haouz Earthquake Victims group.
Furthermore, logistical challenges hinder the distribution of essential supplies to remote areas. Local officials reportedly manipulate beneficiary lists, leaving the most vulnerable without aid. In an alarming turn of events, Said Ait Mahdi was sentenced to prison after voicing concerns regarding government mismanagement, prompting calls for transparency and accountability.
As Ramadan unfolds, families grapple with living in damp tents, struggling through lack of resources and unsafe conditions. Access to health services is limited, compounding the hardships, especially for children, the elderly, and pregnant women. Fuel for warmth poses a risk, as reported by a resident who remarked, “We would rather endure the cold than take that risk.”
Frustration over the slow recovery is evident within the Moroccan parliament, where opposition party members criticize the government for its focus on infrastructure projects for the upcoming World Cup rather than addressing the immediate needs of earthquake victims. MP Fatima Al-Tamani questioned, “How can we accept this?” as families continue to live in tents 18 months post-disaster. The stark contrast between Morocco’s ambitious projects and the plight of the earthquake survivors has sparked national debate, raising concerns about government priorities.
In conclusion, the ongoing plight of earthquake victims in Morocco remains dire, with delivered aid and reconstruction efforts falling short of promises. Heavy rains have further complicated the living conditions in temporary shelters, leading to urgent calls for effective assistance. The growing dissatisfaction among survivors, local activists, and lawmakers suggests a need for the government to shift its focus towards addressing the needs of those still in need rather than pursuing grand infrastructure plans.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
