Amid the lingering devastation caused by a fatal earthquake that struck the Moroccan town of Amizmiz on September 8, 2023, hundreds of individuals are taking to the streets to voice their dissatisfaction with the local government’s response. The earthquake, the most devastating to hit Morocco in over six decades, claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people while leaving countless others homeless and injured.
Residents of Amizmiz accuse the local government of neglecting their needs and delaying the provision of much-needed relief. Following the earthquake, promises were made by the government to offer financial assistance to displaced families for the purpose of rebuilding their homes. Families were relocated to tented camps with assurances of support. However, these camps have proven inadequate due to the harsh weather conditions that have ensued, including strong winds, rainstorms, and dropping temperatures as winter approaches. In addition, some displaced households report not receiving any aid, including tents, from the local government.
Despite the Amizmiz Earthquake Victims’ Coordination Committee initially cancelling a planned demonstration on Tuesday, concerned citizens forged ahead with their protest. Their motivation stemmed from a lack of faith in local government officials’ promises to address their grievances. Officials have now pledged to expedite relief efforts, offering new tents to those who had received none before or whose shelters had been damaged by the severe weather. Moreover, they have committed to providing electricity, water, and improved sanitation facilities in the camps for the displaced population.
In a bid to rehabilitate the earthquake-damaged regions and alleviate the suffering of the approximately 4.2 million affected individuals, King Mohammed VI of Morocco recently announced a comprehensive plan. Over the course of five years, the plan will see the allocation of 120 billion Moroccan dirhams (US$11.6 billion) towards relief efforts. As part of this endeavor, each household whose home collapsed will receive 140,000 dirhams (US$13,500) in reconstruction aid, while households with partial damage will be granted 80,000 dirhams (US$7,700). Additionally, the government has implemented a monetary relief scheme, providing each impacted household with 2,500 dirhams (US$242) in monthly support for one year.
However, criticisms of the government’s handling of international aid offers have emerged in the wake of the earthquake. Numerous Moroccans have questioned the decision to reject external assistance when thousands of their fellow citizens were in desperate need of immediate aid.
The situation in Amizmiz serves as a stark reminder of the long and challenging road towards recovery that lies ahead for those affected by natural disasters. The resilience of the Moroccan people in the face of such adversity is evident as they continue to demand increased support in their quest to rebuild their lives and communities. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that their pleas are not ignored and that the necessary aid reaches those who need it most.
