Concern grows over continued tent living for Al Haouz earthquake victims

Rights and civil society groups in Morocco have voiced growing concern over the prolonged displacement of victims of the September 8, 2023, earthquake in Al Haouz, who remain in tents as winter rains threaten their temporary shelters.

Despite government reconstruction plans, a significant number of affected families have yet to receive even temporary mobile homes, raising frustration and anger among the public.

The Agency for the Development of the Atlas, tasked with overseeing reconstruction, faces mounting scrutiny regarding its progress. Local officials warn that a portion of the displaced population may continue living in tents due to unresolved land inheritance disputes, bureaucratic delays in financial aid, and slow reconstruction efforts.

Said Ouchen, president of Ait Ouaaziz commune in Taroudant province, attributed the delays to three main factors: inheritance conflicts preventing families from rebuilding, some victims not receiving any financial assistance, and bureaucratic obstacles delaying the disbursement of reconstruction funds.

“In our commune, rebuilding is progressing steadily, but better coordination is needed across municipalities to accelerate the process,” Ouchen told Hespress. He also noted that mobile housing initiatives were primarily driven by civil society efforts, but transporting units to remote mountainous areas remains challenging due to difficult terrain.

Mohamed Belhassan, coordinator of the Earthquake Victims’ Association in Amzmiz, described conditions in mountain areas as “catastrophic,” with many still living in tents. He blamed the situation on financial aid delays, making it difficult for victims to continue reconstruction.

“Even those who chose to rent housing with monthly assistance now face financial difficulties they hadn’t anticipated before the earthquake,” he said.

Belhassan urged authorities to expedite reconstruction payments and simplify bureaucratic procedures. “This prolonged displacement tarnishes Morocco’s image. More than a year later, the state has yet to resolve the crisis or at least eliminate the sight of tent settlements,” he said.