A devastating incident occurred in Al-Qasr Al-Kabir, Morocco, on Friday night, as four ancient homes in the city's old district, known as Hay Al-Diwān, partially collapsed. The homes, which were adjacent to each other and classified as buildings at risk of collapse, caused massive amounts of debris to block the narrow alleys and trap residents. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as the homes were uninhabited at the time of the incident.

The collapse, which occurred around 2 am on Saturday, caused significant material damage, including destruction of furniture and cracks in neighboring buildings. The incident also left electrical wires dangling in the passageway, posing a risk to residents and passersby. The local authorities quickly responded to the situation, with Khalifa, the commander of the region, and auxiliary forces arriving at the scene to assess the damage and secure the area.

A collective group, known as the Tektok Group, which monitors public affairs in the city, issued a statement calling for urgent intervention from local and regional authorities to clear the rubble and debris. The group emphasized the need for immediate action to ensure public safety, prevent further collapses, and mitigate the risk of environmental and health hazards. The statement also highlighted the difficulties faced by residents in accessing their homes and the need for a comprehensive solution.

The authorities took swift action, with the city's governor visiting the site and promising to deploy a technical committee to assess the situation and develop a plan for intervention. The committee was expected to begin its work on Monday. Meanwhile, residents affected by the collapse met with the president of the communal council to discuss possible solutions and seek assistance.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of residents in Al-Qasr Al-Kabir's old district, where many buildings are in a state of disrepair. The local authorities have been urged to take proactive measures to prevent similar incidents and ensure the well-being of residents. An investigation into the cause of the collapse is expected to be conducted.

The Tektok Group has expressed concerns about the potential risks and consequences of inaction, including the possibility of further collapses and environmental hazards. The group has called for a coordinated response from all relevant authorities to address the situation and ensure public safety. The incident has highlighted the need for urgent attention to the state of infrastructure and buildings in Al-Qasr Al-Kabir.

The situation in Al-Qasr Al-Kabir remains a concern for residents and authorities, with efforts underway to clear the rubble and assess the damage. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing public safety and taking proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Key points

  • No casualties were reported in the incident, but significant material damage was caused.
  • The local authorities have promised to deploy a technical committee to assess the situation and develop a plan for intervention.
  • The incident has raised concerns about the safety of residents in Al-Qasr Al-Kabir's old district, where many buildings are in a state of disrepair.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.