Morocco town holds protest to demanded aid weeks after earthquake
Residents of the Morocco town of Amizmiz gathered in a protest against local authorities, voicing their frustrations and demands for aid, several weeks after a devastating earthquake struck their town. Amizmiz, located approximately 55 kilometers south of Marrakesh, was among the areas most severely affected by the earthquake that occurred on September 8th, making it the most destructive earthquake to hit Morocco in over six decades. The disaster resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives and left thousands more injured and homeless.
The protesters have accused local authorities of significant delays in providing aid and of neglecting their needs. Following the earthquake, authorities temporarily housed displaced families in tented camps while pledging financial assistance to help rebuild their homes. However, the residents claim that living conditions within the camps have deteriorated, with heavy rains, strong winds, and falling temperatures, given the approach of winter.
Moreover, they allege that some residents who lost their homes have been denied access to necessary aid, such as tents. The protest took place on Tuesday, even though the Amizmiz Earthquake Victims’ Coordination group, which had originally organized the demonstration, had withdrawn after local authorities assured them that their concerns would be addressed.
These authorities promised to expedite assistance, including the provision of new tents for those who had not received them previously and for those whose tents had been damaged by adverse weather conditions. Additional commitments included enhancing sanitation facilities at the camps and ensuring access to water and electricity for the displaced residents.
also read: Ghana Today at the newsstands – October 25, 2023 (ghanaeducation.org)
To support the earthquake-affected regions and the more than 4.2 million people impacted by the disaster, King Mohammed VI of Morocco pledged 120 billion Moroccan dirhams over a five-year period, equivalent to $11.6 billion or £9.4 billion. The plan also entails providing 140,000 dirhams in reconstruction aid to each household that lost their homes and 80,000 dirhams for each household that experienced partial damage to their residences. In the preceding month, the government initiated a monthly assistance program disbursing 2,500 dirhams to each affected household, as part of a year-long cash relief program.
Nonetheless, Morocco’s government had previously faced criticism for turning down offers of international aid, despite the dire need for urgent assistance following the earthquake. The decision prompted concerns and discussions about the significance of upholding national sovereignty and pride, even in the face of overwhelming disaster relief needs.
The protest in Amizmiz underscores the urgency of addressing the ongoing challenges faced by residents affected by the earthquake, who continue to experience the consequences of the catastrophe and remain determined to seek help from the authorities.
MORE STORIES FOR YOU [wp_rss_retriever url=”https://ghanaeducation.org/feed/” items=”10″ excerpt=”0″ read_more=”true” credits=”true” new_window=”true” thumbnail=”0″ cache=”24″]
BOOKMARK GHANAEDUCATION.ORG FOR MORE!
Send Stories | Social Media | Disclaimer
Send Stories and Articles for publication to [email protected]
We Are Active On Social Media
WhatsApp Channel: JOIN HERE
2024 BECE and WASSCE Channel - JOIN HERE
Facebook: JOIN HERE
Telegram: JOIN HERE
Twitter: FOLLOW US HERE
Instagram: FOLLOW US HERE
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this post on Ghana Education News is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.