Categories: News

Morocco orders mass evacuations as flood risk soars

By Rédaction Africanews

More than 108,000 evacuations have been recorded by Morocco’s Interior Ministry since heavy rains caused water levels to rise in Ksar El Kebir province last Friday.

Local authorities, who are continuing emergency operations, have urged residents in flood‑prone areas of the northwestern plains to leave immediately.

Flood risks are increasing due to heavy rainfall, swollen rivers and additional water being released from full dams. The number of people evacuated by the authorities has reached 108,432, according to the Interior Ministry.

Helicopters have been deployed for rescue operations as rising waters flood fields and villages in the northwest. The army has been deployed since Friday to assist with evacuations, after a red alert was issued because of further heavy rainfall forecast this week.

Northwestern Morocco, known as the Gharb region, is an important cereal‑growing area made up of low‑lying plains that drain poorly after weeks of heavy rain and because of the lack of slope. Rainfall in Morocco has increased by 215% compared with last year and by 54% compared with the historical average, according to official data.

Montage Africa

Share
Published by
Montage Africa

Recent Posts

Malaria vaccine price deal could save $50m and widen access

UNICEF says a conditional deal could lower the RTS,S malaria vaccine price by about 40%…

2 hours ago

Zambia’s economy grew 5.2% in 2025, AfDB report says

An African Development Bank report points to faster growth while warning that Zambia still faces…

2 hours ago

South Africa green-skills project maps jobs linked to clean energy

A partnership backed by a $1 million grant is mapping skills demand and planning local…

2 hours ago

AfDB approves $503.75m Botswana loan for energy relief and jobs

The financing is designed to cushion energy costs while supporting Botswana’s private-sector and jobs reforms.

2 hours ago

World Bank urges Nigeria’s states to turn revenue gains into better services

A World Bank review says Nigeria’s states have more resources but must show stronger results…

2 hours ago

Tinubu seeks wider Nigeria–Brazil cooperation after Lula’s re-election

Nigeria’s president outlined trade, energy, agriculture and technology as areas for closer cooperation with Brazil.

2 hours ago