Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit has outlined a comprehensive government response to the severe cold wave currently impacting Morocco’s rural and mountainous regions.
Speaking before the House of Representatives, Laftit confirmed that tens of thousands of residents are receiving enhanced support under the direct instructions of King Mohammed VI.
The government has mobilized significant logistical resources to assist isolated communities facing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures: Field Hospitals: The Royal Armed Forces have established three field hospitals in the Middle and High Atlas Mountains to provide critical care in remote zones. Vulnerable Groups: Emergency protocols have been activated for the medical evacuation of the sick and pregnant women to advanced healthcare facilities. Essential Supplies: Authorities and the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity have distributed food, blankets, and medicine across 859 villages so far.
The government’s response plan is structured around a color-coded “climate exposure” map targeting 1,818 villages and approximately 833,000 people:
| Zone Color | Intensity | Coverage | Population Reached |
| Red | Highest Risk | 382 villages | 137,000 people |
| Orange | Moderate Risk | 1,253 villages | 470,000 people |
| Yellow | Monitored | 383 villages | 225,000 people |
Additionally, over 10,000 improved heating stoves have been distributed to households in these areas.
Beyond the emergency relief, Minister Laftit addressed the modernization of Morocco’s urban transport sector. He emphasized that “times have changed” and the sector must adapt to better serve both professionals and citizens.
Taxi Sector: The ministry is working with local officials to resolve structural difficulties and improve the organization of traditional taxi services. Digital Applications: A city-by-city study on the integration of digital transport apps is nearing completion. Laftit promised that the findings would be made public soon, signaling a shift toward modernizing transport while maintaining a balance between new technology and existing professional standards.
MK/ak/ac/fss/abj/APA