Courage and composure in the face of hardship, dignity, and resilience during adversity… These are traits that the inhabitants of the Al Haouz region have displayed nearly a year after the devastating earthquake that struck the area on the night of September 8, 2023.
In Weirgan, nestled in the High Atlas Mountains, about 62 km from Marrakech, life has noticeably returned to normal after the earthquake. Markets are bustling, streets are busy with pedestrians, and joyful children’s laughter echoes through the villages.
Amidst this atmosphere, many families have completed the reconstruction of their homes, which were damaged or destroyed by the tragic earthquake.
Omar, a man in his sixties who was miraculously rescued along with his wife from the rubble, shared his harrowing experience with the Moroccan Press Agency. « I was trapped for hours under the collapsed roof, unable to move, just hoping someone would come to save me, » he recalls.
A year later, Omar expresses deep gratitude to the rescue teams, local authorities, and relevant administrations who provided strong support to the affected population in a remarkable show of solidarity.
With the financial aid and support received, the construction of his new home is almost complete. « It is now more robust, as it adheres to earthquake-resistant building standards, » he adds.
Local authorities have worked tirelessly over the past months to design more earthquake-resistant homes while respecting the cultural and environmental specificities of the region.
Amine Idrissi Belqassmi, director of the Urban Agency of Marrakech, emphasizes that « the reconstruction of homes destroyed by the earthquake is in a very advanced stage. »
A year after this tragedy, and thanks to the interventions of the competent authorities, following the high instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, « the new buildings, completed in record time, meet safety standards, comfort conditions, and local architectural features. »
Maps of non-buildable land have been created to prevent the construction of buildings in areas prone to landslides and floods.
In addition to repairing damaged buildings, the reconstruction process aims to restore a sense of stability and security to the inhabitants, which are essential elements for recovering from the effects of this disaster.
As the reconstruction work progresses, the residents of Al Haouz continue to demonstrate their wisdom and determination not only to rebuild their homes but also to lay the foundations for a better and more promising future for themselves and their children.
