NGOs step up to help families cope with the harsh winter cold

As freezing temperatures grip the nation and snow blankets the mountains, Moroccan NGOs are stepping up to assist vulnerable communities facing the harsh winter. 

These groups are actively distributing essential aid, including warm clothing, food, and medical supplies, to those most in need, complementing the government’s ongoing efforts.

These efforts come in addition to the government’s comprehensive plans and measures to address the issue. Meanwhile, the National Meteorological Directorate continues to issue weather alerts for rain and snow.

Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit said last November in Parliament that the national plan to combat the effects of cold weather this season targets around 872,000 people living in 169,000 households across 2,014 villages in 241 municipalities spread over 28 provinces and prefectures. 

The minister said that the affected areas have been categorized into red, yellow, and orange zones and highlighted a series of government measures related to health, including those aimed at supporting pregnant women.

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has also launched a “Care 2024/2025” program to strengthen health services in 31 provinces across 8 regions and ensure the continuity of these services for populations affected by cold waves until March 30.

Hssain Ouazzni, president of the Akhyam Association in Imlil, emphasized the importance of civil society, especially during challenging winter months when rural and mountainous areas are particularly vulnerable. 

Ouazzini told Hespress Ar that a solidarity convoy was organized last weekend, providing blankets, winter clothes, food, medical supplies, and drinking water to 375 families in several villages located in a geographically challenging area.

The President said that civil society organizations play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of harsh winter conditions.

He said these groups develop annual strategies to address the specific needs of vulnerable populations, particularly those residing in high-altitude areas like Imlil.

Karim Jouhar, a civil society activist from Casablanca, said his association is organizing a solidarity convoy to assist 470 families in 15 villages near Taroudant. 

The activist said this initiative is part of a long-standing commitment to winter relief and is primarily funded by individual donations and relies heavily on community mobilization.

Jouhar said that they understand that government resources are allocated to a broader range of regions. 

“Therefore,” Jouhar said, “our focus remains on community-led initiatives and individual contributions to ensure that those most affected by the cold weather receive the necessary support.”

The activist added that these efforts, often initiated by civil society groups in response to specific community needs, play a vital role in supplementing government programs and ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations during the winter months.