Snowfall Forecast and Recovery Efforts Post-Earthquake in Morocco

Morocco’s weather alert indicates snowfall of 5 to 15 centimeters across several provinces, with Al Haouz being particularly hard-hit since the 2023 earthquake. The government has allocated funding to assist the reconstruction of homes, with a reported completion rate of 95% on recovery efforts. The onset of severe winter weather raises additional concerns for local residents as they continue to recover from the disaster.

Snowfall is anticipated across multiple Moroccan provinces, particularly in areas affected by the September 2023 earthquake, such as Al Haouz. The Moroccan General Directorate of Meteorology has issued an orange weather alert, forecasting 5 to 15 centimeters of snow for regions above 1,800 meters between Monday and Tuesday. Significant snowfall is expected in provinces including Azilal, Beni Mellal, Midelt, Tinghir, Ouarzazate, and Al Haouz, with up to 10 to 15 centimeters predicted.

Further snowfall of 5 to 10 centimeters is also anticipated in Ifrane, Boulemane, Taroudant, and Chichaoua during the same period. The impending weather conditions exacerbate existing challenges for residents in Al Haouz, as viral videos highlight the adverse effects of snow covering makeshift tents in this earthquake-impacted region. The Al Haouz area is grappling with severe weather that adds to the distress following the earthquake that resulted in significant loss of life and property.

Morocco has initiated emergency measures by establishing a fund to support earthquake recovery efforts, sourced from donations by Moroccan citizens, businesses, and international supporters. By January of last year, the government reported that 56,000 families had received financial assistance aimed at rebuilding and repairing homes in affected areas. The reconstruction program has achieved a completion rate of 95% with a budget of approximately MAD 1.4 billion allocated for these efforts.

Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch announced that over 53,000 construction permits have been granted to families in the targeted regions, representing 90% of those surveyed in provinces including Al Haouz, Chichaoua, Marrakech, Taroudant, Azilal, and Ouarzazate. This comprehensive approach aims to restore stability and housing to families impacted by the disaster, addressing their urgent needs before the upcoming winter weather conditions set in.

In summary, Morocco is bracing for significant snowfall that may intensify the hardships faced by residents of provinces previously affected by the September earthquake. The government’s ongoing reconstruction efforts, funded through national and international contributions, aim to alleviate the difficulties experienced by affected families. With the approval of construction permits, the government is taking responsible steps to ensure that the homes of those impacted can be reconstructed without undue delay, particularly as winter approaches.

Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com