Head of Government Chairs Restricted Ministerial Council to Address Upcoming Cold Wave
The Head of Government, Kamel Maddouri, chaired a restricted ministerial council on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Kasbah Palace, to discuss measures to mitigate the impact of the anticipated cold wave.
The meeting aimed to reinforce coordination efforts and ensure effective management of potential climate disruptions. During the session, the Head of Government emphasized the importance of increased coordination between various public actors, including national and regional committees, and the use of the early warning system provided by the National Meteorological Institute.
He also stressed the need to mobilize adequate resources at the central and regional levels to respond quickly in case of need, while recalling the presidential instructions to support vulnerable populations, particularly in the North-West and Centre regions.
A national action plan was presented, outlining the preparations of various ministries. Key measures adopted include:
- Increasing liquefied gas reserves and prioritizing their distribution in areas affected by bad weather.
- Reinforcing emergency aid stocks for low-income families.
- Establishing evacuation plans and managing water accumulations due to rainfall, with rapid interventions to resolve critical issues.
- Increasing credits allocated to the national program to combat the cold wave, targeting families living at high altitudes.
- Maintaining and creating new hydraulic infrastructures, including hillside dams, to manage exceptional flows.
The council also highlighted specific initiatives, such as preparing accommodation centers, equipping hospitals with energy and medical supplies, and potentially setting up a field hospital if conditions require it.
