Moroccan authorities urged residents in flood-prone areas of the northwestern plains to evacuate immediately on Wednesday, as heavy rain, swollen rivers, and the release of water from full dams raised the risk of widespread flooding.
The Interior Ministry reported that 108,432 people have been evacuated so far. Helicopters and army personnel, deployed since Friday, are assisting with rescue operations amid a red alert for continued heavy rainfall this week.
The Gharb region, Morocco’s key wheat-producing area, consists of low-lying plains that drain poorly. Weeks of heavy rain have worsened the situation, with rainfall 215% above last year and 54% above the historical average, official data showed.
Evacuations have focused on Larache province, including Ksar El Kebir, Souaken, Ouled Ouchih, the Larache industrial zone, and areas near the Loukous River. Authorities said 85% of Ksar El Kebir’s population has already been relocated, with residents receiving shelter and food in temporary camps. State TV footage showed neighborhoods largely deserted and partially submerged after the Loukous River overflowed last week.
Officials are particularly concerned about the Oued Makhazine dam near Ksar El Kebir, operating at 146% capacity after weeks of rain, forcing water releases downstream, the water ministry said. Power outages have also been reported in parts of the city.
Human rights groups have urged the government to declare affected areas “disaster-stricken” to allow residents to access insurance coverage for flood damage.
The exceptional rainfall has ended a seven-year drought, which had prompted Morocco to accelerate investments in desalination. The national dam-filling rate has jumped to nearly 62% from 27% a year earlier, with several large dams partially emptied to manage incoming water.