Moroccan authorities are preparing to launch a safe and phased return of residents displaced by recent catastrophic floods in several northern and central provinces, following improvements in weather and hydrological conditions. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the process will begin once safety and security standards are fully met on the ground.
In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that the provinces of Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem and Sidi Slimane — previously declared disaster-stricken by the Head of Government — are witnessing progressive stabilization, allowing the authorities to initiate preparations for the return of affected populations. Debris removal operations have been underway since last week in streets and rural communities where floodwaters have sufficiently receded.
The same source indicated that extensive cleaning campaigns are ongoing, alongside efforts to restore essential infrastructure including drinking water supplies, electricity networks, sanitation systems and telecommunications services. Roads and access routes leading to affected areas have also been gradually reopened to facilitate the eventual return of residents under appropriate sanitary and environmental conditions.
Authorities have adopted tailored action plans for each province to ensure the gradual resumption of public services and administrative functions. The approach, officials say, remains flexible in order to adapt to evolving field conditions while guaranteeing the continuity of essential services once families return to their homes.
In parallel, provincial administrations have established dedicated logistical and operational frameworks to organize transport arrangements, determine travel routes and schedule phased returns. The objective, the ministry noted, is to maintain order and ensure smooth coordination throughout the repatriation process.
Local authorities will progressively announce the neighborhoods and rural districts included in each return phase, as well as the timelines for subsequent stages. These updates will be communicated through official statements and multiple public channels, including direct SMS notifications to concerned residents.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Ministry of the Interior urged citizens whose areas have not yet been officially cleared to refrain from traveling to disaster-affected zones until formal authorization is issued. Checkpoints will be installed at entry points to regulate movement and restrict access exclusively to authorized individuals.
While praising the sense of responsibility and civic solidarity demonstrated by residents in the four provinces during the crisis, the ministry called on all citizens to remain vigilant and to continue complying with official guidance as recovery efforts advance.
