Moroccan Aid Workers Lead Recovery Efforts in Storm-Ravaged Valencia

"Morocco has deployed the largest contingent of humanitarian aid in Spain’s recent history," informs Gonzalo Sanz Ruiz, coordinator of the joint civil protection commission group. The Moroccan agents come from different localities such as Tangier, Agadir, Casablanca, Tetouan and Fez, among others. Spread across more than 15 municipalities in the Valencian community affected by the Dana, they have been active since their arrival in November to unblock the drains. They have already managed to rehabilitate nearly 200 drains, reports El Diario.

After nearly two months of hard work, the Moroccan agents remain motivated and determined to achieve their goal. "We came to work and help Spain, not to rest," says Mohammed Alouch, from Rabat, expressing his pride and that of his colleagues "in helping the Spanish population and victims, just as Spain helped Morocco after the earthquake in the Al Houz region in September 2023."

A map displayed at the Alfafar operations center provides information on the locations where Moroccan workers have intervened, following the instructions of the Integrated Operational Coordination Center (Cecopi). "We have worked in underground areas like Catarroja, Benetússer, Paiporta and Sedaví, as well as in peripheral areas like Algemesí, Cheste, Chiva and L’Alcúdia," explains Abselam Abdellah, member of the joint civil protection commission.

This humanitarian action by Morocco in Valence is part of the bilateral emergency agreement signed with Spain on January 21, 1987 in Rabat. The mission of the Moroccan agents was to end before Christmas, but King Mohammed VI decided in mid-December to extend the duration of their stay until January 10. In addition to Morocco, other countries such as Portugal and France are providing aid to Spain as part of the European Union’s civil protection mechanism.