More Than 140,000 People Evacuated in Northwestern Morocco Due to Flooding and Heavy Rainfall

Event Description

During this week, heavy rainfall and rising river levels triggered widespread flooding in northwestern Morocco, particularly in the provinces of Larache, Ksar El Kebir, and Sidi Kacem. As risks intensified, authorities evacuated more than 140,000 people from flood-prone areas after dams reached capacity and precautionary water releases were initiated to prevent structural failure.

Humanitarian Conditions

Residents were evacuated to temporary shelters or hosted by relatives in safer areas. Homes and critical infrastructure (roads, bridges, and water facilities) were damaged, hindering access to some locations. There are concerns about temporary shortages of drinking water and essential services in affected areas.

Security Situation

Authorities declared a state of heightened alert in the northwestern provinces, with civil protection services and the Royal Armed Forces participating in evacuation operations and securing flooded areas. Weather warnings remain in effect, with forecasts indicating continued adverse conditions and elevated flood risks.

Organizations' Response

Moroccan authorities led evacuation operations with support from Civil Protection services and the Royal Armed Forces, opening temporary shelters and providing first aid and basic services to displaced populations. Reports indicate ongoing coordination with local stakeholders to scale up the response as the situation evolves.

Recommendations

Immediate:

Expand the capacity of temporary shelters and ensure access to safe drinking water and urgent health services.
Ensure rapid access for relief teams to flooded areas and provide essential supplies to affected families.

Short-term:

Repair damaged road sections to facilitate humanitarian access and aid distribution.
Strengthen early warning mechanisms and monitor river and dam levels in high-risk areas.

Long-term:

Support flood risk reduction programmes and strengthen disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Integrate climate planning into urban development policies in flood-prone areas.

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