A Moroccan human rights group has urged the government to declare the worst flood-hit areas in northern Morocco as disaster zones to unlock emergency aid and compensation.
In a statement, the Moroccan Organisation for Human Rights (OMDH) said it was closely following the impact of extreme weather that hit several northern provinces, especially the city of Ksar El Kebir. It said the floods were exceptional and caused major damage, forcing tens of thousands of people to leave their homes for safer areas.
The group praised rescue efforts by local authorities, the armed forces, civil protection, the gendarmerie and the police. It said air and ground operations, including the transfer of people to temporary shelters, helped protect lives.
OMDH said the evacuations were carried out in a coordinated and professional way and urged citizens to strictly follow official safety instructions.
The organisation called for the rapid activation of compensation and financial aid, including the Solidarity Fund against Catastrophic Events. It also asked for guaranteed access to basic services, food, health and psychological support, and special protection for vulnerable people such as children, women and people with disabilities.
It said badly affected farming areas should receive urgent support.
On education, the group called for distance learning and on-site teaching in shelters to ensure school and university studies continue.
OMDH also urged media outlets and social media users to verify information to avoid spreading false news that could harm the mental well-being of victims. It suggested opening a national fundraising drive to gather support from citizens and both public and private sectors.
The organisation ended by calling for a national plan to manage climate risks, including a review of water infrastructure, stronger early warning systems and better rapid response capacity.
