Harsh Winter Unveils Weakness in Morocco's Social and Economic Development

An arctic cold sweeping rural Morocco this winter has claimed the lives of at least 30 villagers in the hamlet of Anfgou alone.

Although harsh winters can kill people even in the most developed countries, the case of Morocco is a repetitive ordeal based on poor structural and economic development, a tragedy that can be alleviated with the proper economic development and rechanneling resources. Poor living conditions and unavailability of heat show how economic development has yet to reach many rural areas in the North African nation. The village of Boulmanes is one of the many hamlets that suffer from draconian living conditions. Yet, the region is an ideal setting for nature lovers and can easily be pictured in post cards or calendars given its beauty. Nestled in the middle Atlas region, the village features wooden and red brick houses, with the green colors emanating from the oak and cedar tree forests on a background of a blinding white snow. Continue here.