Article: How Asni traders are recovering after the Al Haouz earthquake
The Al Haouz earthquake had devastating consequences on the Asni region, south of Marrakech. Among the victims of this natural disaster, traders saw their goods destroyed and their premises ravaged. Among them, Imad, owner of a pottery store, talks about his experience.
Imad, a young 28-year-old trader, was hit hard by the earthquake. His pottery shop, which represented a considerable investment, was reduced to ruins. “Everything is broken, the ceramics, the pottery… Everything is destroyed,” he laments. Even the items that have survived are unsellable, making the situation even more desperate.
Imad’s income was the main source of livelihood for his family of seven. Despite his own losses, he chose to help his stricken neighbors. He offers his last pottery to the aid and relief teams who pass by his shop, to enable them to cook meals for the victims of the mountains. It is a remarkable gesture of solidarity in such difficult circumstances.
The young trader finds himself faced with an uncertain future. He does not know what aid measures will be put in place by the State and when he will be able to benefit from them. Although he has heard of a disaster relief program initiated by the king, he knows that it will take time before relief reaches him. In addition, his own house, which is located under his shop, is threatened with collapse. In the meantime, he sleeps under a makeshift shelter a few meters away.
Despite the difficulties, Asni traders remain resilient and are seeking to recover. The Moroccan government announced a budget of nearly 11 billion euros for the reconstruction, rehousing and socio-economic revitalization of the region affected by the earthquake. This is crucial support to help traders rebuild and restart their activities.
The story of Imad and other Asni traders shows the strength of the community in the face of adversity. Despite material losses and uncertainties about the future, they demonstrate exemplary solidarity. Let us hope that the aid announced by the government will effectively support them and give them hope for the future.
In conclusion, the Al Haouz earthquake profoundly affected the lives of Asni traders. Their goods are lost, their premises destroyed, and they face great economic difficulties. However, their solidarity and courage are admirable, and it is essential that concrete aid measures are put in place to support them and help them get back on their feet. As a community, we must stand together and provide support to those who need it most.