Title: “After the earthquake in Morocco, the victims of Asni face uncertainty”
Introduction :
On the night of September 8 to 9, 2023, a devastating earthquake struck the province of Al Haouz in Morocco, mainly in the commune of Asni, located around fifty kilometers from Marrakech. Since then, the inhabitants of Asni have been welcomed in a vast camp set up by the Moroccan army and civil protection. As aid flows in and the emergency situation is dealt with, the victims begin to ask questions about the next day and the future. In this report, we go there to collect testimonies from displaced families and understand the challenges they face.
The Asni reception camp:
The Asni reception camp is now home to victims who lost their homes during the earthquake. Several dozen tents were quickly erected in this village nestled in the heart of the mountains, offering temporary shelter to displaced families. A military hospital was also set up to provide necessary medical care. Despite the difficult conditions, a feeling of solidarity is manifested through the organized activities, such as a trampoline to distract the children.
Needs and concerns:
Despite the help received so far, the victims of Asni express their immediate needs and their concerns for the future. Brahim Lemramri, head of the family, testifies to the importance of obtaining more tents to cope with the high number of people sleeping in a single accommodation structure. The victims are also concerned about the length of their stay in the camp and the lack of information about potential repairs to their homes. Weather conditions are also a cause for concern, as the region is prone to snowfall and rain.
Persistent uncertainty:
After moments of distress and the urgency of relief, the victims of Asni are beginning to raise their heads. However, the horizon remains obstructed by the High Atlas mountains and the uncertainties that weigh on their future. They hope to see the Moroccan authorities provide clear and precise information on the deadlines for repairing the houses and the duration of their stay in the camp. In the meantime, victims continue to face difficult conditions, but maintain hope of rebuilding their lives and their communities.
Conclusion :
The earthquake that struck Asni in Morocco left behind a landscape of destruction and desolation. While the victims have taken refuge in a reception camp, they are faced with uncertainty about their future. Immediate needs, such as tents, are being addressed, but questions about house repairs and length of camp stay remain without clear answers.. Despite the challenges they face, the victims remain hopeful and continue to support each other while waiting for a reconstruction that will allow them to return to a normal life.