Morocco orders mass evacuations as flood risk soars

Evacuations in Morocco Due to Heavy Rainfall

More than 108,000 evacuations have been recorded by Morocco’s Interior Ministry since heavy rains caused water levels to rise in Ksar El Kebir province on Fri, [Date]. Local authorities are continuing emergency operations and have urged residents in flood-prone areas of the northwestern plains to evacuate immediately.

The flood risks are increasing due to heavy rainfall, swollen rivers, and additional water being released from full dams. The Interior Ministry reports that the number of people evacuated has reached 108,432. Helicopters have been deployed for rescue operations as rising waters flood fields and villages in the northwest. The army has been deployed since Friday to assist with evacuations, following a red alert issued due to further heavy rainfall forecast this week.

Geographical and Meteorological Context

Northwestern Morocco, known as the Gharb region, is a significant cereal-growing area characterized by low-lying plains that drain poorly after weeks of heavy rain and due to the lack of slope. Official data indicates that rainfall in Morocco has increased by 215% compared to last year and by 54% compared to the historical average.

Based on reporting by Africanews.