A substantial fleet of machinery has been deployed in Azilal province to tackle emergencies arising from severe weather conditions, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall, according to Abderrahmane Essofi, Head of the province's Equipment, Urban Planning, and Environment Division. In a statement to MAP, Essofi reported that 30 machines have been dispatched to areas heavily impacted by snowfall. This fleet includes 11 machines from the provincial Equipment Directorate, another 11 from the Groupement des collectivités du Haut et Moyen Atlas, and additional equipment provided by the local communes. As part of the province's strategic action plan to alleviate the impact of the cold snap, local authorities have prioritized interventions in remote areas to restore traffic on obstructed roads. Key routes include the road linking Azilal to Aït Bouguemaz and the route from Zaouiat Ahensal to the mountain peaks of Tillougite, Imsfrane, and Ait M'hamed. Essofi highlighted that vigilance committees have been established at the local level to oversee operations aimed at opening up the area, clearing snow, and reopening roads. These efforts are being conducted in collaboration with the provincial Equipment Directorate and the affected communes. He also mentioned that regular meetings are chaired by the provincial governor to coordinate these initiatives. It is noteworthy that the machinery fleet prepared for the snowfall includes graders, backhoe loaders, loaders, and snowplows. The provincial action plan, designed to mitigate the cold snap's effects and minimize potential damage from meteorological disturbances, has identified 397 douars across 25 territorial communities within Azilal province. Snowfall in the region has ranged from 15 to 30 cm, particularly affecting communes situated above 1,700 meters in altitude.
