Morocco's interior ministry said it evacuated more than 143,000 residents from the flood-prone northwestern plains on Thursday as heavy rains, swollen rivers and planned releases from full dams increased flood risk. The large-scale, preventive operation aimed to protect communities downstream by moving people out of vulnerable low-lying areas. Emergency teams are coordinating transport and temporary shelters while monitoring water levels.
Morocco Evacuates Over 143,000 From Northwest Plains as Flood Risk Grows
A man carries a woman as local authorities in the Ksar El Kebir province continue emergency operations, after heavy rainfall raised water levels in the region, disrupting traffic on multiple roads, in Ksar El Kebir, Morocco January 30, 2026. Moroccan authorities/Handout via REUTERS
Moroccan authorities say they have evacuated more than 143,000 people from the flood-prone northwestern plains as heavy rain, swollen rivers and the planned release of water from full dams raised the risk of flooding.
The interior ministry described the operation on Thursday as a precautionary measure to protect communities downstream of several reservoirs and to keep residents out of low-lying areas vulnerable to inundation. Local emergency teams have been coordinating transport, temporary shelter and monitoring of river and dam levels.
Officials emphasized the move was preventive and intended to reduce danger to lives and property while water levels are closely watched. The account was reported from Rabat by Reuters correspondent Ahmed El Jechtimi.
Situation Overview
- Scope: More than 143,000 people relocated from northwestern plains.
- Drivers: Heavy rain, rising rivers and planned dam water releases.
- Response: Interior ministry-led evacuations with emergency services coordinating shelters and monitoring.
Note: Authorities describe the measures as precautionary to reduce flood risk while conditions remain unstable.
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