Ismaïl Iftissen, ES Maroc President, said:
“People have been spending nights in the cold and need tents, mattresses, blankets and warm clothing. Unfortunately, the prices of basic commodities have now gone up due to the high demand, making it even harder for those affected to afford them. Together with our partners, we have begun distributing some items.”
Halima Begum, ActionAid UK CEO, said:
“Right now, we are concerned for families living out in the open and afraid to return home. There is a risk of aftershocks in Morocco, which could cause landslides and damage to homes and infrastructure in the region in the weeks to come. Our priority is to get safe shelter to women and girls who are now exposed and without any form of privacy.”
Tifawt Belaid, Senior Programme Manager with ActionAid Denmark, said:
“We are especially concerned about women and girls who are showing such resilience and need safety and support as they cope with such dramatic challenges. To make matters worse, heavy rain is expected in the affected areas, increasing the risk of landslides further and leaving hundreds of thousands of people exposed to the elements.”
Oussama Chakkor, Country Coordinator, Alianza por la Solidaridad, said:
“Our main challenge is how to go beyond the first response. The temporary shelters are in a precarious condition, with only some basic provisions. There are no latrines or showers. We must think about how to rebuild their lives as soon as possible.”