Morocco’s Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday the evacuation of more than 100,000 people from four northern provinces as a precautionary measure against potential flooding caused by a sharp rise in river and waterway levels, according to the ministry’s official spokesperson.
The ministry said in a press release that the operation is part of a “continuous and proactive monitoring of weather conditions” and reflects a preventive approach aimed at protecting lives and property, as several regions of the country have experienced flooding in recent days.
According to official data, the evacuations were carried out through coordination between various government departments and relevant agencies, with field mobilization that included the deployment of units from the Royal Armed Forces, in coordination with the Interior Ministry, to oversee and secure the relocation of residents.
The same source stated that the evacuation process was conducted gradually, based on risk assessments and the scale of potential damage. As of this morning, a total of 108,423 people had been evacuated, distributed across the provinces of Larache (81,709 people), Sidi Kacem (9,728), Sidi Slimane (2,853), and Kenitra (14,133).
The city of Ksar El Kebir recorded the highest share of evacuations, with around 85 percent of residents leaving their homes, some using their own means of transport.
The Interior Ministry added that these measures have helped mitigate the impact of the exceptional situation, confirming that authorities continue to support affected populations through the establishment of temporary shelters, reception centers, and the provision of essential assistance.
In a renewed warning, the ministry urged residents in several municipalities in Larache Province — including Ksar El Kebir, Souaken, and Oulad Ouchih — as well as industrial zones and areas near the mouth of the Loukkos River, to comply immediately with evacuation instructions amid forecasts of rainfall that could reach 150 millimeters within a short period.
Hydrological data, according to the ministry, indicate a record rise in water reserves at the Oued El Makhazine Dam, which could place significant pressure on its infrastructure and increase the likelihood of unprecedented flooding.
Moroccan authorities affirmed that, under a framework of full mobilization and ongoing coordination, they will continue implementing all necessary measures to ensure public safety and protect property, calling on citizens to cooperate fully with official directives during this period.
