Audio By Carbonatix
Morocco urged residents of flood‑prone areas in the country's northwestern plains to leave immediately on Wednesday, amid rising threats of inundation from heavy rain, swollen rivers and the release of more water from full dams.
The number evacuated by authorities reached 108,432, the Interior Ministry said.
Helicopters were deployed in rescue operations as rising waters inundated fields and villages across the northwest. The army has been deployed since Friday to support evacuations amid a red alert for further heavy rainfall this week.
Northwestern Morocco, known as the Gharb region, is a key wheat-producing region made of low‑lying plains that drain poorly after weeks of heavy rain and due to lack of slope.
Rainfall in Morocco is up 215% from last year and 54% above the historical average, official data showed.
Evacuations were ordered in parts of the Larache province, including the city of Ksar El Kebir, Souaken, Ouled Ouchih, the Larache industrial zone and areas near the banks of the Loukous river, as a precaution against further flooding, the Interior Ministry said.
Most evacuations took place in Ksar El Kebir, where authorities said 85% of the population had already left. State TV showed those who were moved being provided shelter and food in camps.
Ksar El Kebir has been largely deserted, with many neighbourhoods submerged after the Loukous river burst its banks last week.
Officials are particularly concerned about the Oued Makhazine dam near Ksar El Kebir, which is operating at 146% capacity after weeks of heavy rain, raising pressure to release more water downstream, according to a statement by the water ministry.
Residents said electricity had been cut in parts of Ksar El Kebir.
Rights groups have called on the government to declare the affected areas "disaster‑stricken," which would allow residents to access insurance coverage for flood damage.
The exceptional rainfall has ended a seven‑year drought that had pushed Morocco to accelerate investments in desalination.
The national dam‑filling rate has risen to nearly 62% from 27% a year earlier, with several large dams being partially emptied to absorb new inflows.
Latest Stories
-
Accra-Kumasi Expressway to be fully funded locally – Government
25 seconds -
US diesel prices hit an all-time-high
3 minutes -
Horticulture Expo: Gov’t targets stronger agric value chain to boost horticulture exports
6 minutes -
Reckless driving incidents fall by 38% across Africa – Yango report
7 minutes -
It is ‘FAKE’ – Patricia Appiagyei reacts to memo alleging rejection of GH¢70,000 money
9 minutes -
ICE agent charged with lying about shooting Venezuelan man during crackdown
10 minutes -
Police arrest landlord’s wife for allegedly biting tenant’s ear during a fight
14 minutes -
US diesel prices hit a record high, pushing up transportation costs for a long list of goods
15 minutes -
300 entrepreneurs in Bono East battle for MTN-Innohub SME Support as programme enters 4th year
30 minutes -
Lawyer sues AG, GRA boss over passenger baggage exemption rules
31 minutes -
Ashanti Region crowned 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Champions after epic seven-goal final
1 hour -
Gomoa chiefs give IGP, National Security one week to close New Winneba North Police Station
1 hour -
Pilgrims Affairs Office approves 42 Hajj agents for 2027 pilgrims
1 hour -
Building Trust in Digital Entertainment: What users should Look for in an online gambling site
1 hour -
Former Deputy CEO of SIF declares Nandom NPP bid, pledges to rebuild party unity
1 hour