Fez Medina hosts large-scale rescue simulation to boost disaster response

The medina of Fez, particularly the Ziyat district, hosted a large-scale rescue and relief simulation exercise on Monday, marked by the strong mobilization of emergency teams and close coordination among various stakeholders, under the supervision of the Regional Command of Civil Protection of Fez-Meknes.

Organized in close collaboration with local authorities, the Agency for the Development and Rehabilitation of the Medina of Fez (ADER), and health services, including the Hassan II University Hospital Center (CHU) of Fez and the regional directorate of health and social protection, the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen response capabilities in complex urban environments, especially within the medina’s unique urban fabric.

The main objective was to improve the speed and effectiveness of interventions in hard-to-access areas characterized by narrow alleys, while testing rescue, evacuation, and debris-clearing protocols in the event of a collapse or major disaster. The exercise also aimed to enhance operational coordination among all parties involved.

In a statement to MAP, Colonel Abdelaziz Makhmakh, regional commander of Civil Protection in Fez-Meknes, said the simulation was designed to assess responsiveness and intervention speed in disaster scenarios, taking into account the specific challenges of the medina, including its tight alleyways and the fragility of certain structures.

Specialized teams from the Regional Command were deployed, including search and rescue units, hazardous materials teams, and canine units, which played a key role in locating victims under the rubble.