Morocco deploys army to evacuate thousands amid rain-induced flooding in urban areas

Morocco has deployed army rescue units to evacuate thousands of residents after severe flooding inundated parts of the country's northwest, with rising river levels forcing people to flee their homes.

The army rescue units and civil protection teams moved into flooded neighborhoods in Ksar el-Kebir, one of the worst-affected cities, after weeks of heavy rainfall caused the Loukous River to burst its banks. Homes, streets and farmland were submerged as water levels rose rapidly across low-lying areas.

"The flooding followed weeks of torrential rain after years of drought. At first, the risk was underestimated. But when water levels rose suddenly, residents realized the danger and evacuations became unavoidable. Without the army's intervention, the situation could have been more chaotic," said Rachid, a resident of Ksar el-Kebir.

The situation worsened after controlled water releases from a nearly full upstream dam, accelerating rising levels of river waters. As a precaution, thousands of residents were evacuated, with emergency shelters opened for displaced families.

"This is a natural disaster that no one could have prevented. Floodwaters affected almost every area, except this street, where daily life has continued and residents are sheltering families who have been displaced by the flooding," said another local resident, Abdul Ileh.

Floodwaters cut off key roads, while schools and small businesses were forced to close. Farmers in the region reported damage to crops and livestock, heightening concerns over longer-term economic losses in an area already vulnerable to extreme weather.

"All families with children were evacuated. We are calling on police to strengthen patrols so evacuated homes are protected from looting. We thank the authorities and everyone who has helped. Yes, we lost many houses and businesses, but we are confident the city will return to normal after this difficult episode," said Abdul Kebir, a Ksar el-Kebir resident.

Weather services in Morocco have issued orange to red rainfall alerts across parts of the northwest, warning that unstable conditions could persist. Saturated soil and already swollen rivers mean the risk of further flooding remains high, even if rainfall eases.

Morocco deploys army to evacuate thousands amid rain-induced flooding in urban areas

Morocco deploys army to evacuate thousands amid rain-induced flooding in urban areas

Morocco deploys army to evacuate thousands amid rain-induced flooding in urban areas

Morocco deploys army to evacuate thousands amid rain-induced flooding in urban areas

China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao outlined the key priorities of the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting, which opened on Friday in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province.

In an interview with CGTN ahead of the two-day meeting, Wang said free trade, digital cooperation and green economy are high on the agenda of the meeting.

"The key areas include advancing regional economic integration and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, supporting the World Trade Organization (WTO) in strengthening digital cooperation and developing green economy. At present, the international situation is marked by intertwined turbulence and chaos, with intensified geopolitical instability. The rise of unilateralism and protectionism poses serious challenges to the international economic and trade order, disrupting global and Asia-Pacific development. Against this backdrop, all parties have higher expectations for this trade ministers' meeting, hoping that it can build consensus and deliver outcomes," Wang said.

This year marks China's third time hosting the APEC meetings and the 35th anniversary of its membership.

By 2025, China had become the largest trading partner of 13 APEC economies. Trade between China and APEC economies reached 3.7 trillion U.S. dollars, accounting for 57.8 percent of China's total foreign trade.

China has signed 24 free trade agreements or economic and trade arrangements with 31 countries and regions, including 15 APEC economies. In recent years, China has also completed upgrades of free trade agreements with APEC economies such as Singapore and Peru.

The minister said that China has always been a firm supporter and an important contributor to APEC.

"We have actively shared our vast market and development opportunities with all parties. China's door to the world will only open wider and wider. Facing the common challenges, China will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as a major country, further deepen reform, expand high-standard opening-up, and continue to provide new opportunities for the Asia-Pacific region and the world with its new achievements in Chinese modernization," the minister said.

China's Commerce Minister outlines priorities for 32nd APEC trade ministers' meeting