WELL TRAGEDY RESPONSE

Moroccan authorities plan to survey abandoned and unauthorised wells across the country, after the death of a boy trapped in a borehole sparked global attention.

The boy, Rayan, had fallen down a narrow 32m dry well on February 1, sparking a huge but failed rescue operation.

“In order to avoid any repeat of the tragedy of Rayan, the water minister has instructed the directors of water resource offices to carry out a full survey of abandoned wells,” water ministry official Abdelaziz Zerouali said.

Wells that violate regulations will be made safe at the expense of those who dug them, followed by possible legal action, he said.

The case of Rayan sparked a wave of sympathy across the North African country and beyond. Saudi Arabia said it had filled in and fortified thousands of abandoned wells after Rayan’s tragic death.