Snow in Morocco: Entire villages cut off from the world

It is a scenario of total isolation that is currently playing out in the heights of Ouarzazate and Tinghir. The density of the snowfall took the inhabitants of several douars by surprise, who experienced a sleepless night facing what are described as exceptional weather conditions. The accumulation of snow has made any movement impossible, freezing vehicles and cutting off access. As an aggravating circumstance, the communication network has given way in several localities, leaving families without any connection to the outside world, even for vital emergencies.

The repercussions are felt far beyond these hamlets. In the province of Tinghir, the thick layer has forced the closure of regional road No. 317 connecting Azilal to the city, as well as the axis between Aït Hani and Imilchil. This paralysis of the road network has immediately led to the isolation of a dozen douars. Faced with what looks like an eternal recurrence with each cold wave, local stakeholders no longer hide their concern. They are calling for the acceleration of snow removal operations and, above all, preventive interventions to no longer suffer this chronic isolation. For now, the authorities are calling for caution and asking to limit travel to the strict minimum.