Morocco is facing one of its most severe weather emergencies in recent memory as relentless rainfall has triggered widespread flooding in the northwestern Gharb region, prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents and straining emergency response systems.
The Interior Ministry said on Wednesday that a total of 108,432 people have been evacuated or transported from their homes in the provinces of Larache, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane and Kenitra since late last week amid rising waters from swollen rivers and heavy rainfall.
Morocco’s national weather service reported that rainfall across the northwest has surged to levels more than 215 percent above last year and 54 percent above the historical average, overwhelming drainage systems in the low-lying plains.
Authorities issued red alerts for continued heavy rain this week, warning residents in flood-risk areas to leave immediately. The Loukkos River, which flows through the region, has overflowed its banks in several localities, submerging streets and neighbourhoods, including large parts of Ksar El Kebir, where officials said nearly 85 percent of the population had already evacuated.
Officials also raised concerns about the Oued Makhazine dam, which is operating at 146 percent capacity after weeks of rain. To manage rising water levels, authorities have been forced to consider controlled releases, which could further increase downstream flood risks.
The Moroccan Royal Armed Forces have been deployed alongside civil protection units to assist in evacuation efforts, with helicopters rescuing stranded residents from cut-off areas and transporting them to safety. Ground and air teams are coordinating to reach communities isolated by floodwaters.
Evacuees have been moved to temporary shelters, reception centres and makeshift camps where authorities are providing food, bedding and essentials. In some cases, residents have taken refuge with relatives in less-affected areas.
Local officials noted that key infrastructure has been disrupted, with power cuts, blocked roads and closed schools reported in several communities. The ongoing flooding has hindered normal life and complicated efforts to reach certain neighbourhoods.
The northwest particularly the Gharb region is one of Morocco’s most important wheat-producing areas. The flooding has inundated fields and farmland, raising concerns about crop losses and broader economic impacts for farmers and markets across the region.
Authorities have urged residents and local authorities to remain vigilant, reinforcing flood barriers where possible and monitoring hydrological conditions as rainfall persists.
Meteorological forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall in the coming days, with some areas expecting up to 150 millimetres or more in short periods intensifying flood risks and complicating response efforts.
Experts say that while the rainfall has ended a years-long drought and boosted reservoir levels nationwide, the intensity and volume in a short period has overwhelmed existing infrastructure and exposed vulnerabilities in flood-prone lowlands.
Authorities are coordinating closely with local governments, emergency services and the military to manage evacuations and prepare for potential additional releases of water from full dams, stressing that public safety remains the top priority.