A Year of Resilience: Al Haouz Rebuilds with Hope After Devastating Earthquake
Almost a year has passed since a devastating earthquake shook the Al Haouz region of Morocco on the night of September 8th, 2023. Yet, amidst the ruins, a powerful spirit of resilience, courage, and unwavering community has emerged. The people of Al Haouz are not just rebuilding their homes, they are rebuilding their lives, brick by brick, with a tenacity that inspires hope for a brighter future.
In the commune of Ourigane, nestled in the High Atlas Mountains just 62 kilometers from Marrakech, life is steadily returning to a semblance of normalcy. The bustling markets are alive with activity, children’s laughter echoes through the douars (villages), and the streets are once again filled with the rhythm of daily life.
Many families, who once faced the unimaginable loss of their homes, have shown incredible strength, rebuilding their lives from the rubble. New homes, constructed with stricter earthquake-resistant standards, are a testament to their determination and the unwavering support they have received.
Omar, a man in his sixties, recounts his harrowing experience to the Maghreb Arab Press Agency (MAP). He and his wife were miraculously pulled from the debris of their collapsed home. “I was trapped for hours under the rubble, unable to move,” he shares, “All I could do was hope that someone would find me.”
A year later, Omar expresses profound gratitude for the first responders, local authorities, and organizations that provided critical aid and support in those initial chaotic days and weeks. “Thanks to the financial assistance and support provided,” he says, “the construction of my new home is nearing completion. It’s much stronger now, built to withstand future earthquakes.”
Recognizing the urgent need for safer housing, local authorities have worked tirelessly to design and construct earthquake-resistant homes that also respect the region’s unique cultural and environmental landscape. Amin El Idrissi Belkasmi, Director of the Marrakech Urban Agency, confirms, “The reconstruction of homes destroyed by the earthquake is at a very advanced stage.”
He emphasizes that these new buildings, completed in record time under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, ”meet safety standards, provide comfortable living conditions, and reflect the characteristics of local architecture.” Furthermore, maps identifying high-risk areas prone to landslides and flooding have been created to prevent future construction in vulnerable locations.
The reconstruction efforts extend beyond just bricks and mortar. They represent a commitment to restoring a sense of security and stability for the people of Al Haouz, two essential elements for healing and moving forward.
As the rebuilding continues, the people of Al Haouz demonstrate remarkable resilience. They are not simply rebuilding their homes and communities; they are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future for themselves and generations to come.
