Rabat: Morocco is grappling with widespread flooding in its northwestern regions, prompting authorities to deploy the Royal Armed Forces to assist in evacuating tens of thousands of residents from flood affected areas. Torrential rains over the past week, compounded by rising river levels and dam releases, have overwhelmed communities, particularly in the city of Ksar El Kébir and surrounding towns.
The heavy rainfall caused the Loukous River and several smaller tributaries to burst their banks, submerging homes, roads, and farmland. Local authorities report that over 20,000 residents have already been relocated to temporary shelters, while emergency services continue to monitor water levels in the most vulnerable areas. Rescue teams have been working around the clock to provide food, medical aid, and safe passage for stranded families.
King Mohammed VI personally directed a national response plan, ensuring coordination between the army, civil protection units, and local governments. Officials emphasized that the deployment of military personnel has been crucial for transporting residents, conducting search-and-rescue missions, and providing logistical support in flooded regions. Emergency shelters have been reinforced, and sandbag barriers erected to slow water encroachment into residential areas.
Schools in Ksar El Kébir and neighboring provinces have been ordered to remain closed until February 7, giving communities time to focus on safety and recovery. Authorities have also issued warnings to villages along the Sebou River, which continues to show rising water levels, urging residents to remain vigilant and ready for possible evacuation.
This disaster comes shortly after Morocco experienced relief from a prolonged seven-year drought, which had left reservoirs critically low. While winter rains initially replenished water levels and benefited agricultural lands, the same weather system has now triggered one of the most severe flood events in recent years. Experts note that this pattern highlights the increasing volatility of North African climate conditions, where sudden swings between drought and flooding are becoming more frequent.
Humanitarian organizations and local authorities continue to work tirelessly to ensure that residents receive aid and safety guidance. Officials urge citizens to heed evacuation orders and remain alert as weather monitoring agencies anticipate potential secondary flooding in the coming days. The current situation underscores the growing challenge of extreme weather events in the region and Morocco’s ongoing need to strengthen disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.