Morocco’s Earthquake Survivors Demand More Aid as World Cup Spending Soars

Photo:Reuters

Two years have passed since a devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, killing nearly 3,000 people and destroying tens of thousands of homes. Yet, for many survivors, life has not returned to normal. While the country spends billions preparing stadiums for the upcoming African Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, rural communities affected by the quake are still struggling to rebuild.

Seventy-two-year-old Lahcen Abarda is one of many left living in temporary shelters. His tent, made of plastic sheeting, must be repaired frequently as wind and rain damage it. “I have been living in plastic tents since my home was destroyed,” Abarda said. He shares the small space with his two daughters, relying on limited aid promised by the government. “Whenever I ask, they say you will benefit later,” he added.

Across the Atlas villages, frustration is rising. Survivors staged a protest in Rabat, Morocco’s capital, demanding that reconstruction aid be prioritized. Banners carried the names of villages devastated by the earthquake, and protesters chanted, “Quake money, where did it go? To festivals and stadiums.” Critics say Morocco’s large investments in stadiums and urban projects contrast sharply with the slow pace of aid for earthquake victims.

Government data shows that out of 59,675 damaged homes, 51,154 have been rebuilt. Authorities also report that most temporary tents have been removed. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch insists that reconstruction is moving forward and that remaining cases are being addressed individually. However, local groups and survivors dispute these claims, saying many families still live in temporary shelters, and aid has not covered the real costs of rebuilding.

For families like construction worker Mohamed Ait Batt’s, government aid has been insufficient. He received 80,000 Moroccan dirhams (around $15,500) for a partially damaged house but had to spend personal savings to complete repairs. “We used all our savings, and we still have more to do,” he said. Similarly, in the village of Anerni, rows of new brick homes stand beside makeshift tin shelters, highlighting the uneven recovery. Some survivors worry that relocation programs force them to abandon their ancestral lands.

The disparity between Morocco’s urban and rural areas is striking. While cities enjoy modern infrastructure and economic growth, rural regions continue to struggle with poverty. National statistics show rural areas are slower to recover and remain more vulnerable to disasters. King Mohammed VI has acknowledged this divide, warning against a “two-speed Morocco” and urging reforms to support marginalized communities.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s investment in World Cup stadiums and infrastructure is substantial. Reports indicate more than 20 billion dirhams have been allocated for these projects, compared to 4.6 billion dirhams spent on housing aid for earthquake victims. While these developments are expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and improve the country’s global profile, many question the balance between high-profile spending and the urgent needs of vulnerable citizens.

Humanitarian advocates argue that the government must prioritize recovery in rural areas, ensuring that families who lost homes in the earthquake receive full support to rebuild safely and sustainably. Without adequate housing, clean water, and resources, communities remain at risk of further hardship in the face of seasonal rains and natural disasters.

The story of Morocco’s earthquake survivors highlights a larger challenge for the nation: balancing global ambitions with the basic needs of its people. As the country prepares to welcome the world for major sporting events, the question remains whether it will give equal attention to rebuilding the homes, lives, and dignity of those still recovering from the disaster two years ago.

Morocco’s rural earthquake victims are a reminder that development cannot only be measured in stadiums and highways. True progress requires that every citizen, from city to village, has the resources and support to live safely and with dignity.