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Morocco floods: Residents return as waters recede
16 Feb
Summary
- Moroccan authorities are organizing the gradual return of residents to flood-hit areas.
- Approximately 188,000 people were evacuated due to overflowing rivers.
- Morocco plans a $330 million investment to upgrade infrastructure and aid flood victims.
Moroccan authorities have initiated the organized return of residents to Ksar El Kebir and surrounding flood-affected northwestern regions as weather conditions improve. These areas experienced severe inundation due to overflowing river waters.
Earlier in February, authorities and the army evacuated 188,000 individuals to ensure their safety. Most residents of Ksar El Kebir can now return, with only a few neighborhoods still restricted. Free transportation is being provided for those who sought refuge with relatives or in temporary shelters.
In response to the disaster, Morocco has announced a 3 billion dirham ($330 million) investment plan. This funding will be used to upgrade infrastructure and provide support to residents, farmers, and business owners impacted by the floods. Several municipalities have been declared disaster areas.
The Oued Makhazine dam, exceeding its capacity, was forced to release water, causing the Loukous river to rise and flood Ksar El Kebir and adjacent plains. This winter's rainfall was significantly higher than recent averages, contributing to a national dam-filling rate of nearly 70%.
