Morocco announces emergency plan to support Safi flood victims

Morocco has announced an emergency plan to help the victims of the deadly flash floods in the coastal city of Safi, upon instructions from King Mohammed VI, according to RFI on 19th December.

The floods caused 37 deaths and brought torrents of mud that damaged dozens of homes and businesses in the city’s old medina. The rehabilitation plan was introduced after the victims were deemed not to meet the criteria for an existing natural disaster fund, as the floods lasted less than 21 days, which led to controversy in Morocco.

While the statement released by the government doesn’t specify how much money will be invested to support victims and rebuild the devastated centre of the city, it said that local authorities would start implementing the new measures as soon as possible.

The program reportedly includes assistance for families who have been made homeless as well as for impacted businesses, and funds to repair damaged homes and infrastructure. It aims to re-start economic activities as soon as possible to limit the financial and social impact of the disaster. It will be coordinated with local services and regional leaders.

In addition, the Moroccan government is working on a number of measures to reduce the risk of future flash floods and to better prepare its population. Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water, announced that his ministry was developing an alternative flood prevention scheme as well as updating the flood risk map.

In the case of Safi, the minister said they were focusing on expanding drainage systems to reduce flood risk in urban areas. In particular, it will channel drainage for Wadi Chaaba, a river that runs through the city, directly into the ocean to prevent future overflows.

On a more positive note, he stated that the recent rainfall has added 482 million cubic meters to the country’s dam reserves, reaching 32.2% of their capacities. It is a welcome announcement after several years of drought severely impacting the agricultural sector.

RFI, Hespress, Maghrebi.org