Aastha Trivedi
Moroccan civilians in Amizmiz have marched in protest for more aid following September’s 6.8 magnitude earthquake.
South of Marrakech, hundreds of citizens in the town of Amizmiz have taken to the streets in frustration, demanding aid for local civilians and neglected communities.
On 8th September, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit various cities and towns in Morocco, killing 3000 people and leaving many homeless.
The epicentre of the earthquake struck the town of Ighil and the Oukaïmeden ski resort in the Atlas Mountains, roughly 70km southwest of the capital Marrakech. The earthquake was felt by countries as far as Algeria and Portugal.
Significant damage has affected thousands of civilian homes, as well as renowned historical buildings such as the 12th century Tinmel Mosque.
Moroccan protestors demand aid
In Amizmiz, a town significantly affected by the earthquake, hundreds of protesters filled the streets to march in frustration.
Residents demand that more aid be provided to help local civilians, arguing that Moroccan authorities have neglected communities and delayed the provision of aid.
“Protesters push for improved shelters, sanitation and access to clean water”
The protest followed industrial action and torrential weekend storms that intensified the adversity faced by residents living in tents near the remains of their former homes.
Some displaced citizens have been supported in “tented camps” and there have been promises of financial assistance to rebuild homes. However, many residents fear that such solutions will be insufficient as winter approaches.
Protesters in Amizmiz accused local authorities of withholding assistance, including tents, from some residents who lost their homes.
In light of recent heavy winds and rains, protesters also pushed for improved shelters, sanitation and access to clean water.
Where is aid coming from?
At the centre of Moroccan protests is significant criticism of the government for rejecting offers of foreign aid.
Initially, the government announced it would only accept official aid from the UK, Spain, Qatar and the UAE.
Activist Maati Mounjib has criticised the government, telling the BBC: “It is really an error [to insist on] sovereignty and national pride. This is not the moment to refuse because the aid is essential, even developed countries accept outside help [in disasters].”
In a post on Twitter/X, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated: “The UK stands ready to support our Moroccan friends.”
My thoughts are with everyone affected by the terrible earthquake in Morocco last night.
The UK stands ready to support our Moroccan friends. https://t.co/gmRbIZ2Dcc
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) September 9, 2023
The UK has since announced a contribution of up to £1.45 million to support a Moroccan-led recovery effort.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) of Turkey has reportedly sent as many as 265 aid workers from various non-governmental organisations, while the Turkish government has delivered 1000 tents.
Moreover, Algeria has opened its airspace to deliver humanitarian aid and rescue injured civilians.
According to The New Arab, France has offered £5 million to humanitarian aid organisations to assist Moroccan civilians.
Rebuilding Morocco for the future
Moroccan King Mohammed VI has announced that 12bn Moroccan dirhams (£9.4 billion) will be invested in redeveloping infrastructure and rebuilding regions impacted by the earthquake over the next five years.
The plan pledges to grant 140,000 dirhams in reconstruction aid to each household with a collapsed home and 80,000 for each household whose homes faced partial damage.
In October, the Moroccan government said it had begun granting 2,500 dirhams a month to each affected household as part of a year-long cash relief program.
As financial assistance begins, on the ground assistance from various charities continues across Morocco, providing supplies such as clean water, tents and medical aid to those affected by the earthquake.
https://twitter.com/Khalsa_Aid/status/1723717548225483136
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Featured image courtesy of Adam Axon via Flickr. No changes were made to this image. Image licence found here.
