Morocco/Al Haouz: Proactive measures to mitigate the effects of bad weather

The Al Haouz Provincial Watch Committee held a meeting in Tahanaout on Tuesday to present the proactive measures adopted to mitigate the effects of the cold snap affecting this part of the national territory during the winter season.

Chaired by the Governor of Al Haouz Province, Mustapha El Maaza, in the presence of heads of external services, security services and officials, the meeting was held in the context of the implementation of the Royal High Directions.the meeting, which took place within the framework of the implementation of the High Royal Orientations, was an opportunity to present the various measures adopted by the Committee, with a view to implementing the High Royal Orientations. the opportunity to present the various measures adopted by the Committee, with a view to combating the negative effects of the cold snap, and protecting the populations concerned, particularly in mountainous areas exposed to snowfalls and vertiginous drops in temperature.

Speaking at the event, Mr. El Maaza stressed the need to adopt a proactive approach based on mobilizing the human and logistical resources available to public services and local authorities.of the situation at provincial level, and the adoption of all measures likely to protect citizens and their property, through coordinated interventions on the ground taking into account the geographical specificities of each zone.

In this context, he emphasized the need to support vulnerable categories, notably poor families and people in precarious situations, as part of a supportive and participatory approach.The importance of ensuring a continuous supply of essential foodstuffs to the areas affected by the bad weather was also stressed.

In a statement to MAP, Taoufiq Qorchi, Head of the Infrastructure Department at the Provincial Directorate of Equipment, Transport and Logistics, indicated that that all logistical means have been mobilized to ensure the continuity of traffic on classified roads, the total length of which in the province is around 1.230 km.

The traffic disruptions concern only around 230 km, spread over the national, regional and provincial road networks, he said, pointing out that national road No. 9 linking Marrakech to Ouarzazate is among the worst affected. Ouarzazate was one of the worst-affected routes, particularly at the Tizi n'Tichka pass, where snowfall and landslides had caused interruptions.

Qorchi explained that the department's technical teams had been working in the field since the early hours of the morning, noting that "the snow had reached a depth of around 30 cm at certain points, which complicated intervention operations and led to the closure of the road to all vehicles until now, to preserve the safety of users".

The RN N° 7, which also experienced several interruptions at the level of a number of wadis, has been fully opened and traffic has been restored at all damaged points, he added.Interventions are continuing on the provincial road linking Oukaïmeden to Asni (21 km), which was disrupted by wadi run-off and snowfall.

Management teams will continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground and intervene if necessary, until the situation returns to normal, he assured.

For his part, Mohamed Zerrouki, Provincial Director of National Education, Preschool and Sports, reported that the Department had adopted a number of measures, including the supply of firewood to all schools.These include the supply of firewood to all schools and the provision of sufficient cover for boarding schools, while ensuring the continuity of catering and accommodation services for pupils benefiting from these social facilities.

In this connection, he reported that as part of the ongoing coordination between the Provincial Watch Committee and local school committees, it had been decided to temporarily suspend classes in decided to temporarily suspend classes in 149 schools, in order to guarantee the safety of students, as well as administrative and teaching staff.

He added that the Committee was coordinating with local committees on an ongoing basis, in order to decide on the temporary suspension of classes if necessary, while ensuring the immediate resumption of classes and the catching-up of lessons.as soon as weather conditions improve, in order to secure school time and ensure continuity of learning.

Mustapha Jadir, Provincial Delegate for Health and Social Protection in Al Haouz, pointed out that the Delegation is carrying out proactive monitoring and care operations in the field, covering various areas classified as "hot spots".areas classified as the most at-risk, and targeting vulnerable groups in particular, including the over-65s, children under five, and pregnant women.

These measures also include taking care of people suffering from chronic illnesses, by proactively providing them with the necessary medication, in anticipation of possible road closures.These measures also include taking care of people suffering from chronic illnesses, by proactively providing them with the necessary medicines, in anticipation of possible road closures, particularly in mountainous areas, and the resulting difficulties in accessing health services, he continued.

With regard to pregnant women, Mr. Jadir explained that a special preventive approach is being adopted, consisting in identifying cases of expected childbirth during this period and bringing them closer to maternity homesThese offer integrated services including health care, nutrition and accommodation, and guarantee optimum care for pregnant women in safe conditions.

Source: www.mapexpress.ma/