Moroccan earthquake survivors in the Atlas Mountains suffer severe hardships due to heavy rains during Ramadan. Makeshift shelters are collapsing, and promised aid remains delayed, with many receiving insufficient support. Allegations of corruption in aid distribution and bureaucratic impasses further exacerbate the situation, leading to criticism from lawmakers.
In Morocco, the effects of heavy rains during Ramadan have exacerbated the conditions for earthquake victims residing in makeshift camps across the Atlas Mountains. Since mid-March, relentless downpours have flooded these shelters, which were intended to be temporary, leading to dire living conditions for survivors in Talat N’Yaacoub, a village severely impacted by the 6.8-magnitude quake.
Families are trapped in collapsing tents, with many expressing despair over their plight. Halima, a mother of three, shared, “The tents are no longer liveable […] Water seeps inside, the mud rises up, and we have nothing to keep warm.” Despite initial promises from the government for aid and housing reconstruction, bureaucratic hurdles have impeded progress, leaving many victims still without the support they desperately need.
The Moroccan government had pledged substantial financial aid—approximately 140,000 dirhams ($14,000) for families whose homes were destroyed. However, local activists report that many have received far less assistance than promised. Hussein Ait Mahdi of the Al-Haouz Earthquake Victims group noted, “Most families, regardless of how much they lost, are only receiving the minimum amount.” Delivery of construction materials to remote areas exacerbates the issue, with transportation costs draining resources that are already stretched thin.
Additionally, allegations of corruption have surfaced regarding the distribution of aid, prompting an official investigation launched by Morocco’s Interior Ministry last December. This inquiry has resulted in convictions, yet those still living in tents demand immediate and effective solutions rather than promises of future accountability.
In Talat N’Yaacoub, the impact of the rainfall is evident, with families struggling to keep warm and secure their meager belongings. Vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, face the greatest risks, as healthcare facilities remain inaccessible. Women in the camps express reluctance to light fires for warmth due to the life-threatening dangers posed.
As Ramadan unfolds for a second consecutive year under such harsh conditions, the spirit of community and family gatherings has been replaced by ongoing struggles for basic survival. Political discontent is rising, with opposition lawmakers criticizing the government for prioritizing infrastructure for the upcoming World Cup over the urgent needs of earthquake victims. MP Fatima Al-Tamani highlighted the stark contrasts, emphasizing, “18 months after the earthquake, entire families are still living in tents.”
Contact attempts to Morocco’s Minister of National Territory Planning and Housing went unanswered, leaving the plight of earthquake survivors unresolved at this critical time.
The ongoing challenges faced by earthquake survivors in Morocco highlight the urgent need for effective disaster recovery efforts. As victims grapple with inadequate shelter and delayed assistance amidst heavy rain, it is evident that the consequences of bureaucratic delays and alleged corruption continue to hinder the rebuilding process. Moreover, the criticisms voiced by opposition lawmakers emphasize the urgent moral obligation to prioritize the needs of these vulnerable communities. The government must take immediate action to alleviate the crisis experienced by the victims, particularly as they endure another Ramadan in distressing conditions.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
