Morocco: 50,000 evacuated after floods threaten northern city

Morocco has evacuated 50,000 people in the city of Ksar el-Kebir, about 190 km (120 miles) north of Rabat, as floods and heavy rain threaten to submerge the city, Reuters reported on February 2nd.

Authorities say the flood is partly due to the Oued Makhazine dam near the city, which has already reached its maximum capacity. The rising water levels in the Loukkos river — a major river in northern Morocco, passing through agricultural plains in Ksar el-Kebir and into the Atlantic Ocean — have also caused flooding in several neighbourhoods across the city.

Morocco has been experiencing heavy rainfall, leading to floods and rising water levels in rivers and dams, with the national dam-filling rate now being close to 62% according to official data. Several major dams have already reached their full capacity.

In January this year, the Moroccan government announced an end to the seven-year drought, with extreme weather replenishing water resources and rainfall rising by 95% from the year before. The rains came after a challenging period of drought, which forced the Kingdom to invest in water infrastructure, such as desalination plants.

Temporary camps and shelters were set up for residents evacuated, with electricity cut off in parts of the area and national road links suspended temporarily.

Authorities have ensured that citizens can travel by train to other cities, coordinating with the National Railway Office to ensure safe transport. Similarly, officials arranged the evacuation of cattle and sheep. 

A local resident, Hicham Ajttou, said, “The city has become a ghost town,” adding that “All markets and shops are closed, and most residents have either left voluntarily or been evacuated.”

Ajttou had left the city with his family for Tangiers last week and returned to help with relief efforts in Ksar el-Kebir. “The question that worries us is what comes next. The dam is full, and we don’t know how long this situation will last,” he said.

The army has mobilised rescue teams, vehicles, equipment, and medical personnel to assist with evacuations, while buses have been used to transport residents out of the city.

Another town in northern Morocco, Sidi Kacem, about 65 km north of Rabat, was evacuated due to the Sebou River’s rising water levels. Authorities are working to reinforce the riverbank with sandbags and barriers.

Reuters, Le7tv, Hespress, Maghrebi.org