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Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of the Interior has strengthened its National Plan for Mitigating the Effects of Cold Waves to protect nearly 872,000 people in rural and mountainous areas during the 2024-2025 winter season.
Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced the initiative on Monday, detailing its scope during an oral session in the House of Representatives.
The plan targets 169,000 households in 2,014 villages across 241 municipalities within 28 prefectures and provinces. A total of 185 villages have been added to this year’s target list, with particular attention given to regions affected by recent earthquakes and floods.
The ministry has categorized affected areas into three risk levels based on potential isolation duration, infrastructure, and access to essential services.
Villages facing isolation for more than four days will receive immediate priority, the ministry noted. It argued that the program reflects a data-driven and collaborative approach that has been updated annually with input from various government departments.
Laftit highlighted last year’s efforts as a testament to the plan’s effectiveness. Despite limited snowfall, health services reached over 48,000 residents through 466 medical caravans staffed by nearly 4,000 medical professionals.
Care for pregnant women included over 1,250 prenatal visits, 252 emergency transports, and 781 hospital admissions.
Additional measures provided essential supplies, with 56,000 people receiving food and blankets and livestock farmers supported by nearly 6,000 tons of fodder.
Heating materials, including firewood and improved stoves, were distributed to households and public institutions. Efforts to clear snow and restore electricity and telecommunications networks ensured the continuity of vital services.
