Tens of thousands evacuated in northern Morocco amid heavy rainfall

Evacuation and Flood Response in Ksar el-Kebir

More than 50,000 individuals have been evacuated from Ksar el-Kebir, located approximately 190 kilometers north of Rabat, due to severe weather conditions and heavy rainfall resulting in significant flooding.

According to the interior ministry, the evacuated residents have been accommodated by relatives or in temporary shelters established by authorities.

The Moroccan army has been deployed to support relief efforts following directives from King Mohammed VI. Rising water levels in the Loukkos River have led to restricted access to the town.

Power outages have occurred in certain areas, and educational institutions are to remain closed until Saturday. Officials attribute the floods partly to water released from a nearby dam that had reached its full capacity.

The recent heavy rainfall has ended a seven-year drought, prompting Morocco to invest in desalination facilities. The national weather service predicts continued heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall above 1,500 meters in the area until Wednesday.

Based on reporting by Africanews.