National Plan to Combat Effects of Cold Snap Targets over 755,000 People
In response to an oral question at the House of Representatives on emergency measures deployed in light of changing weather conditions, Boutayeb noted that the relevant national inter-ministerial committee met on November 26, to define the modalities of implementation of the national plan to combat the effects of the cold snap.
289 villages are experiencing a period of isolation of 2 to 3 days, 842 are isolated from 4 to 7 days and 645 villages are isolated for more than a week, which requires great attention for a population reaching nearly 239,000 people and 34,000 households, he said.
The national plan is based on proactive measures that can help the population of the affected areas, especially mountainous regions and rural areas, to overcome the cold snap, the government official added, outlining the various measures taken to assist the affected population.
According to Boutayeb, these measures include the activation of the steering and monitoring center, the continuous follow-up of the situation on the ground and the supply of certain areas with basic products and means of heating.
Providing livestock feed, immediate intervention by rescue helicopters of the Gendarmerie Royale and the Health Ministry to assist populations in distress (pregnant women for example) are among the measures adopted, he added.
These actions also include care and accommodation for the people affected in secure reception units, to protect them from the effects of the cold snap and provide them with food and health care.
Pursuant to the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Interior Ministry, in coordination with relevant ministries, has developed a comprehensive annual national plan to address the negative effects of the cold snap, on a regular basis and in accordance with a participatory methodology with various stakeholders, Boutayeb concluded.
