KSAR EL KEBIR, Morocco — Authorities in northern Morocco have raised the flood alert to maximum as the Loukkos River swells dangerously after days of heavy rainfall. The province of Larache, particularly the city of Ksar El Kebir, is facing severe flooding that has inundated streets, homes, and public facilities, prompting a full‑scale emergency response.
Rising Waters and Dam Pressure
The Loukkos River Basin Agency reported that the region has received more than 600 mm of rain since September, filling the Oued El Makhazine dam to 100% capacity. Controlled releases are underway to ease pressure, but officials warn that downstream flooding remains a serious risk.
Governor Bouassam El Alamine has personally inspected weak points along the river and overseen emergency measures, including the installation of sand barriers to protect riverfront homes. Despite these efforts, rising water levels have overwhelmed Ksar El Kebir’s drainage system, forcing authorities to deploy extra pumps to prevent wastewater from backing up into residential areas.
Emergency Interventions
Floodwaters have disrupted key public services. A local hospital was evacuated after water infiltration made access unsafe, with patients and staff relocated to safer facilities. Emergency crews have also intervened at schools and community centers, converting them into temporary shelters for displaced families.
The Royal Armed Forces, acting under royal instructions, have established emergency camps and begun relocating families from high‑risk zones. Municipal council president Mohamed Simo urged residents in vulnerable neighborhoods to evacuate immediately to higher ground, warning that one dam had already exceeded its discharge capacity.
Humanitarian Response
Public buildings such as youth centers, schools, and cultural centers are being repurposed as shelters. Authorities have promised evacuees food supplies, blankets, bedding, and emergency aid. The mobilization reflects Morocco’s commitment to ensuring that displaced families receive immediate support, even as the scale of the flooding continues to grow.
Regional Impact
The flooding is not confined to Ksar El Kebir. Northwestern Morocco has seen swollen rivers and inundated towns across several provinces. As a precaution, Tétouan–Sania R’mel Airport was temporarily closed on Thursday for safety checks, underscoring the broader impact of the storm system.
The General Directorate of Meteorology has forecast more showers, heavy rain, and strong winds across multiple provinces on Friday, keeping the risk of further flooding high. Authorities remain on maximum alert, with emergency teams bracing for additional evacuations.
Climate and Infrastructure Challenges
The floods highlight Morocco’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, which have become more frequent and intense in recent years. Climate experts warn that heavier rainfall patterns, combined with aging infrastructure, increase the risk of catastrophic flooding.
While dams like Oued El Makhazine play a critical role in water management, their capacity limits pose challenges during prolonged storms. Controlled releases can mitigate pressure but often exacerbate flooding downstream, leaving local communities exposed.
Community Resilience
Despite the devastation, residents have shown resilience. Volunteers are assisting emergency crews, helping to reinforce barriers and distribute supplies. Local businesses have offered support, with some donating food and water to shelters.
The crisis has also sparked solidarity across Morocco, with aid organizations mobilizing resources to assist affected families. Social media campaigns are raising awareness and encouraging donations, reflecting a nationwide effort to support those in need.
Outlook
With more rain forecast, the situation remains precarious. Authorities continue to urge vigilance, evacuation from high‑risk areas, and cooperation with emergency teams. The coming days will test Morocco’s ability to manage one of its most severe flood emergencies in recent years.
For residents of Ksar El Kebir and surrounding towns, the priority is survival and safety. For Morocco as a whole, the floods are a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen infrastructure, improve disaster preparedness, and adapt to the realities of climate change.