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Morocco's Drought Ends: Rains Fill Dams to 46%
14 Jan
Summary
- Morocco's seven-year drought has officially ended due to heavy winter rains and snow.
- Dam levels rose to an average of 46% capacity, storing 7.7 billion cubic meters of water.
- Increased rainfall boosted levels significantly, reversing years of severe water depletion.
Morocco has officially exited a severe seven-year drought period, thanks to abundant winter rainfall and snowfall. Minister Nizar Baraka announced this week that precipitation from September 1, 2025, to January 12, 2026, reached 108 millimeters, a substantial increase that has replenished the nation's water reserves. This welcome change has dramatically boosted dam levels nationwide.
The national average dam-filling rate has surged to approximately 46% from just 31% in December. Total water storage now stands at about 7.7 billion cubic meters. Several major reservoirs, vital for cities and agriculture, are reportedly operating at near-capacity, with some reaching fill rates between 80% and 100%. Even the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah dam is 92% full, necessitating controlled releases to prevent overcapacity.
Previously, Morocco faced critical water shortages, with dam reserves depleted to a third of their capacity by late 2025. The drought had placed immense strain on water infrastructure, agriculture, and households. While desalination efforts were underway to secure 60% of drinking water from treated seawater by 2030, the recent rainfall provides immediate and significant relief to the country's water crisis.
