Title: The poignant testimony of Imad, trader at the heart of the Al Haouz tragedy
Introduction:
When the Al Haouz earthquake hit the region, traders were among the hardest hit. Imad, a young pottery trader in Asni, experienced a real tragedy. His store was devastated and his goods were smashed to pieces. In this article, we share the moving testimony of Imad, who tells us about the difficulties he encounters as well as his desire to help the victims despite his own distress.
Imad’s tragedy: a business in ruins
Imad describes with sadness the state of his pottery shop. The shelves are empty, broken objects litter the floor. All of his merchandise, worth 60,000 dirhams, was destroyed. Even the rare objects that survived the earthquake are unsaleable in their current state. The financial loss is enormous for Imad, whose income supports his family of seven.
Solidarity despite everything
Despite his own distress, Imad shows incredible generosity towards his stricken neighbors. He offers tagines to rescue workers and disaster victims so that they can prepare hot meals. For him, it is essential to help others and to make useful what pottery he has left. A gesture of altruism which shows the solidarity and unity which reign in this difficult period.
Uncertainty about the future
Ten days after the disaster, Imad admits that he cannot think about the future. He does not know what the State has planned in terms of disaster aid. Although he has heard of an aid program put in place by the king, he knows it will take time before relief truly arrives. In addition, his own house, located under his shop, threatens to collapse. He therefore sleeps under a makeshift shelter, a few meters away.
Financial and logistical support from the State
The Moroccan government announced a substantial budget of nearly 11 billion euros for reconstruction, rehousing and socio-economic support for areas affected by the earthquake. However, Imad and many other victims are aware that it will take time before this aid actually arrives.
Conclusion:
The testimony of Imad, a pottery trader, reveals the painful reality he experienced after the Al Haouz earthquake. His business reduced to ruins, his house threatening to collapse, he lives in a precarious situation. Despite this, his generosity towards the victims and his desire to help others testify to the spirit of solidarity that animates the community. Let us hope that the aid promised by the State will arrive quickly to alleviate the suffering of the victims of this tragedy.