Morocco Flooding: Over 140,000 Evacuated as Storms and Dam Releases Cause Widespread Disruption
RABAT, Morocco – More than 140,000 residents in northwestern Morocco have been evacuated from their homes due to severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall and controlled water releases from overfilled dams, according to the Interior Ministry. The inclement weather has also caused disruptions to maritime traffic between Morocco and Spain.
Recent torrential rains have caused rivers, including the Loukkous, to swell, leading to flooding in multiple towns, notably Ksar El Kebir. Residents and local media reports indicate the rapid rise in water levels prompted urgent evacuation orders. Authorities have deployed the army to assist in evacuating residents from the moast affected areas and to establish temporary shelters.
As of Thursday, the ministry confirmed the evacuation of 143,164 people. Schools and universities have been closed as a precautionary measure. In Ksar El Kebir, a town known for its sugar production, approximately 85% of the population has been evacuated, leaving the area largely deserted.
Witness accounts and video footage reveal damage to homes and landslides in the rural town of Bni Zid. Emergency services are utilizing bulldozers to clear roads and restore access to isolated communities.
The heavy rainfall, arriving after a seven-year drought, initially brought much-needed relief to the North African nation, replenishing reservoirs and securing a year’s supply of drinking water. However,the excessive rainfall has also resulted in damage to crops – including avocados,potatoes,and olives – disrupted port operations,and caused shipment delays.
Morocco’s water ministry has initiated controlled releases from dams nearing capacity, including the discharge of over 372 million cubic meters of water from the Oued Al Makhazine dam near Ksar El Kebir.
The country has already received 150 millimeters of rainfall in the last six months, exceeding the average annual level by 32.5%.Morocco’s meteorology directorate has issued a red alert, citing ”exceptional” climate conditions and forecasting continued heavy rainfall.
“Almost everyone left,” stated Mohamed el Hachimi, a resident of Ksar El Kebir who sought refuge with family elsewhere. He added that those without alternative accommodation are utilizing shelters provided by the authorities. Concerns are mounting over the Oued Al Makhazine dam, which has exceeded its maximum capacity by approximately 46%.
Rising water levels in the Sebou River have led to partial road closures, neighborhood flooding, and the suspension of train services, according to local media reports.
Primary Topic: Morocco flooding
Primary Keyword: Morocco Floods
Secondary Keywords: Morocco, flooding, evacuation, rainfall, dams, Ksar El Kebir, natural disaster, weather, North Africa.
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