Moroccan Authorities Evacuate More than 143,000 People Due to Flooding

ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/Kelly Sikkema

Morocco - Moroccan authorities continued a massive evacuation operation for the tenth consecutive day in a number of northern provinces hit by severe flooding, with more than 143,000 people evacuated as a precaution.

Government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said this time the flood did not cause any casualties in the affected areas. Evacuation was carried out to protect residents as heavy rain still hampered rescue and relief efforts.

According to Anadolu as reported by ANTARA, Friday, February 6, thousands of residents were relocated from affected areas in the provinces of Larache, Sidi Kacem, and Sidi Slimane in the north, as well as Kenitra in western Morocco. Flash floods continue to spread in low-lying areas since late January.

The worst situation occurred in Ksar El Kebir after the Loukkos River overflowed following the Oued El Makhazine dam exceeding its capacity.

Official data showed the dam reached 140 percent of capacity for the first time, triggering widespread flooding in the city and surrounding farmland.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said Larache recorded the largest number of evacuations with 110,941 people, followed by Kenitra with 16,914 people, Sidi Kacem with 11,696 people, and Sidi Slimane with 3,613 people.

The government stated that the evacuation process was carried out in stages according to the level of risk and potential damage, with large logistical support to ensure that the transfer and shelter of residents took place safely.

Although this time it did not cause any casualties, Morocco has previously been hit by deadly floods. In December 2025, flash floods in the city of Safi in the west of the country killed at least 37 people.