Morocco evacuates over 140,000 as extreme rainfall and dam releases trigger widespread flooding

More than 140,000 people were evacuated from towns and rural communities in northwestern Morocco after torrential rainfall combined with emergency dam releases caused widespread flooding across river basins, according to the country’s Interior Ministry.

Authorities confirmed that 143,164 residents were moved from their homes as water levels rose rapidly in major rivers, including the Loukkous River, inundating towns such as Ksar El Kebir, where officials said up to 85% of the town was evacuated. Schools and universities across affected areas were closed as a precaution.

The flooding followed exceptionally high rainfall, recorded at 150 mm over the past six months, exceeding Morocco’s average annual rainfall by 32.5%, according to the national meteorological directorate, which issued a red alert for further heavy rain.

Morocco’s water ministry confirmed that controlled water releases were initiated from several dams nearing or exceeding capacity. At the Oued Al Makhazine dam near Ksar El Kebir, authorities discharged more than 372 million cubic metres of water as reservoir levels surpassed design capacity by approximately 46%. The dam’s total capacity is reported at 672.8 million cubic metres.

These releases, combined with sustained rainfall, significantly increased downstream river levels, leading to:

• Flooded residential neighbourhoods

• Partial road closures

• Suspension of train services in affected corridors

• Disruption to maritime traffic between Morocco and Spain

Agricultural areas were also impacted, with damage reported to avocado, potato, and olive crops, while port operations experienced delays.

The Moroccan authorities deployed army units and emergency services to assist with evacuations, clear blocked roads, and establish temporary shelters for displaced residents. In the rural town of Bni Zid, video footage documented landslides and damaged housing, while heavy machinery was used to restore access to isolated areas.

Residents described widespread displacement. One evacuee from Ksar El Kebir stated that most of the population had left due to concerns over continued rainfall and dam safety, with many seeking shelter with relatives or in facilities set up by local authorities.