Civil Protection Conducts Rescue Simulation Drill in the Historic City of Fez
On Monday, May 4, 2026, the regional command of Civil Protection organized a comprehensive rescue and relief simulation drill in the historic district of Fez, particularly in the Ziyat neighborhood, commencing at 3 PM. This drill was executed in collaboration with local authorities and the Agency for the Development and Rehabilitation of the City of Fez (ADER), alongside health services, including the university hospital and the regional health department.
This exercise is part of ongoing efforts to enhance intervention capabilities in complex urban environments. The primary focus was on improving the efficiency and speed of emergency responses in areas characterized by narrow alleys and difficult accessibility, which are emblematic of the urban fabric of the ancient city. Moreover, the drill aimed to test rescue protocols and debris removal procedures in the event of structural collapses or major disasters, while also strengthening coordination among various stakeholders, including Civil Protection, local authorities, and health and security services.
The scenario employed in the drill involved a complex intervention requiring specialized equipment and trained canine units, indicating a shift towards enhancing operational readiness to address risks in historical centers. Through this initiative, organizers aim to bolster team readiness and improve coordination mechanisms among services to ensure rapid and effective responses to emergencies in the historic urban context.
The simulation was executed according to a strict timetable, involving specialized rescue and first aid personnel, as well as disaster management teams. The exercise included a simulated partial collapse of a traditional building, necessitating the evacuation of injured individuals and the provision of first aid on-site, supervised by doctors from the university hospital and mobile medical teams.
The historic city of Fez is among the most densely populated and architecturally complex regions in Morocco, featuring narrow streets and historical buildings that require specialized intervention strategies. The scenario was designed to mimic real-life conditions as closely as possible, testing the teams' readiness and adaptability to field challenges.
A comprehensive review and evaluation are planned to follow this exercise, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the executed operations. The regional command of Civil Protection intends to conduct similar drills in other ancient cities across the kingdom in the upcoming months, aiming to standardize intervention protocols and enhance collaboration among various entities involved in emergency management.
As reported by aljareeda.net.
