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.
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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
"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
