Hundreds of residents in the Moroccan town of Amizmiz have taken to the streets to protest against local authorities, demanding immediate aid and assistance in the wake of a devastating earthquake that destroyed their homes. The earthquake, which struck on 8th September, was the most powerful to hit Morocco in over 60 years, claiming the lives of nearly 3,000 people and leaving thousands injured and homeless.
Amid accusations of negligence and delay in providing aid, the residents of Amizmiz are pleading for urgent assistance from the authorities. Following the earthquake, families were relocated to tented camps and were promised financial aid to help them rebuild their homes. However, the protesters claim that living conditions in the camps have rapidly deteriorated due to heavy rains, strong winds, and the approaching winter season.
In addition to the deteriorating conditions, the residents are alleging that local authorities have been withholding assistance, including tents, from those who have lost their homes. Despite these grievances, the protest continued on Tuesday, despite the withdrawal of the Amizmiz Earthquake Victims’ Coordination group, who had initially organized the protest. The group explained their decision by stating that local authorities had promised to address their concerns, including the provision of new tents for those who had not yet received any and those whose tents had been damaged by the harsh weather. They also assured improvements in sanitation, as well as access to water and electricity for the displaced residents.
In response to the devastation caused by the earthquake, King Mohammed VI announced a comprehensive plan to rebuild the impacted regions and support the millions of affected people. Over a span of five years, Morocco will allocate 120 billion Moroccan dirhams ($11.6 billion; £9.4 billion) to this initiative. The plan includes providing 140,000 dirhams in reconstruction aid to households with completely collapsed homes and 80,000 dirhams for households with partially damaged homes. Additionally, the government has initiated a year-long cash relief program, disbursing 2,500 dirhams in monthly assistance to each affected household.
Despite these efforts, Morocco’s government faced criticism for rejecting some offers of international aid immediately following the earthquake. This decision was met with disapproval from activists and citizens who believed that accepting aid was crucial, especially for those in urgent need. Activist Maati Mounjib expressed his concern, stating that refusing aid in this dire situation was an “error in sovereignty and national pride.” He argued that even developed countries accept outside help during times of disaster.
The residents of Amizmiz are persistently advocating for their rights and demanding immediate assistance from the authorities. As the nation moves forward with reconstruction efforts, it is crucial that the needs of the affected individuals are prioritized and their voices are heard.
