- 21:10Al Omrane Expo for Moroccans Worldwide Makes a Stop in Amsterdam: Strengthening Ties with the Diaspora
- 17:45Diplomatic Engagement: Britain and China Seek Common Ground Amidst Tensions
- 17:20Morocco's Rural Education Overhaul: EIB, EU, and Government Launch €125.8 Million Initiative
- 17:05Hamas has announced that its leader, Yahya Sinwar, was killed in fighting with the Israeli army in Gaza
- 16:40Pregnant Teen's Rescue from Abandoned Well Uncovers Disturbing Allegations in Morocco
- 16:30Obama's Campaign Trail Return: A Personal Mission to Thwart Trump's Legacy
- 16:20Kenyan Politics in Turmoil: Vice President Gachagua Impeached on Corruption Charges
- 16:00The McCain Republicans: A Pivotal Force in Arizona's Political Landscape
- 15:10Middle East Tensions Escalate: Hamas Leader's Death Fuels Ongoing Conflict
Follow us on Facebook
Tragic Floods in Marrakech Expose Critical Infrastructure Flaws, Prompts Calls for Accountability
In a devastating turn of events, two young siblings lost their lives in floodwaters on the outskirts of Marrakech, Morocco, following a brief but intense rainfall. The tragedy has sparked outrage and calls for an investigation into the city's infrastructure and urban planning practices.
The incident occurred in the Ait Ali area of Tameslouht, where the children's bodies were recovered after an extensive 10-hour search and rescue operation. The Marrakech branch of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) has responded by demanding a judicial inquiry into what they describe as "negligence and failure" by local authorities.
According to the AMDH, the catastrophic damage caused by just 20 minutes of rainfall on Sunday evening points to "obvious defects, technical and engineering errors, and lack of effective oversight" in the city's infrastructure. The organization argues that such extensive flooding should not have occurred from such a short period of rainfall if proper measures had been in place.
The human rights group highlighted that Marrakech, a major tourist destination, has been operating without an urban development plan for over four decades. This lack of planning has resulted in uncontrolled urban sprawl and the growth of vulnerable neighborhoods with little regard for scientific and technical considerations.
The flooding's impact was widespread, affecting several new neighborhoods and subdivisions. Major thoroughfares were submerged, and a section of National Road 7 between Tameslouht and Marrakech was paralyzed for over three hours due to the mixing of rainwater and sewage from nearby villages.
Even Marrakech Menara Airport, a crucial hub for tourism, was not spared from the deluge. Floodwaters invaded the facility despite recent repairs following similar incidents in previous years. Part of the airport's perimeter wall collapsed, further highlighting the severity of the infrastructure issues.
The AMDH has pointed to corruption, mismanagement, and a failure to adhere to project specifications as root causes of the disaster. They also criticized local authorities for turning a blind eye to illegal dumping of construction waste and soil in waterways, which exacerbated the flooding.
In their statement, the NGO called for greater transparency and rigor from national laboratories responsible for monitoring infrastructure projects. They emphasized the need for strict adherence to required standards without leniency for violations.
As Marrakech grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the incident has brought to light the urgent need for improved urban planning, infrastructure maintenance, and accountability in Morocco's cities. The loss of young lives serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of neglecting these critical issues.