King Mohammed VI Linked to Deaths of Dozens in Morocco Due to Cold and Hunger
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a startling turn of events, the Moroccan King, Mohammed VI, is facing severe criticism after neglecting his responsibilities in providing aid to the victims of the earthquake in Al Haouz region. The indifference has resulted in the deaths of numerous Moroccans due to extreme cold and hunger, with cases of acute malnutrition emerging among children.
The earthquake, which struck the region in September of last year, left residents displaced and struggling to survive in the harsh winter conditions. Recent heavy snowfall, particularly in the 1,233-meter-high Al Haouz province, has intensified the humanitarian crisis, exacerbating the suffering of those abandoned by the government.
The situation has reached a critical point, with reports suggesting that the death toll is rising as temperatures continue to drop. In the village of Moulai Ibrahim alone, 25 Moroccans have succumbed to the harsh conditions after the government abandoned its responsibility to provide assistance to the earthquake survivors.
The Moroccan government’s silence and inaction have drawn condemnation, especially as the freezing weather continues to pose a threat to the well-being of the population. Cases of severe respiratory infections, particularly among young children, have been reported in the same region where vibrant tourist events are conducted daily.
In a recent and troubling development, authorities reported the deaths of dozens of children in the villages of Tinmal and Douar Tarfa, located 50 kilometers from the city of Marrakech. Notably, these areas fall within the same province that witnesses lively daily tourist activities.
A recent report from four UN-affiliated institutions on poverty in the Arab world ranked Morocco at the forefront, with 18.17% of the population living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate in rural Morocco is three times higher, potentially reaching up to 100%.
The High Commission for Planning in Morocco highlighted an increase in absolute poverty rates from 1.7% in 2019 to 3% in 2021 nationally. In rural areas, the rates rose from 3.9% to 6.8%, while urban areas experienced an increase from 0.5% to 1%.
