Severe Flooding Forces Mass Evacuations in Northern Morocco

In late January 2026, northern Morocco experienced severe flooding that led to the evacuation of over 54,000 residents from Ksar El Kebir, a city approximately 190 kilometers north of Rabat. The flooding was primarily caused by weeks of heavy rainfall, which raised water levels in the Loukkos River, exacerbated by water releases from the nearby Oued Makhazine dam that had reached full capacity. The Moroccan interior ministry confirmed that evacuations began on January 30, with the situation escalating rapidly as floodwaters threatened to inundate the city.

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The Moroccan Royal Armed Forces were deployed to assist in the evacuation and relief efforts, providing logistics and temporary accommodation for those displaced. Many evacuees sought refuge with relatives, while others were housed in temporary shelters set up by authorities. As of February 2, 2026, the situation remained critical, with ongoing heavy rains forecasted, prompting further evacuations and the establishment of sandbags and temporary barriers in flood-prone areas.

Morocco deploys army to help evacuate thousands after floods

The flooding has severely impacted local communities, with Ksar El Kebir described as a "ghost town" by local resident Hicham Ajttou. Markets and shops have closed, and residents have either evacuated or been forced to leave. The agricultural sector is also facing significant challenges, particularly in soft fruit production, as adverse weather conditions have damaged greenhouses and affected labor availability. Amine Bennani, president of the Moroccan Association of Soft Fruit Producers, reported that approximately 10% of the total acreage in the Loukkos region has been affected.

Floods in northern Morocco hit soft fruit growers

The flooding in Morocco is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather affecting multiple regions across Africa. Since October 2025, severe rainfall has led to widespread emergencies in countries such as Mozambique, where nearly 400,000 people have been displaced, and significant loss of life has been reported. The United Nations has called for international assistance to address the escalating humanitarian crises resulting from these weather events.

Relentless rains and floods leave Africa reeling as UN seeks help

Experts have raised concerns about the long-term implications of climate change, which is believed to be increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events across Africa. The situation in Ksar El Kebir highlights the vulnerabilities of communities in flood-prone areas, particularly as infrastructure struggles to cope with unprecedented rainfall.

In pictures: Northern Morocco floods force evacuation of 50,000 people

Moroccan authorities have emphasized the urgency of the situation, with the interior ministry coordinating relief efforts and the army assisting in evacuations. King Mohammed VI has instructed the military to support these operations. The national weather service has issued warnings for continued severe weather, including heavy rains and strong winds.

In pictures: Northern Morocco floods force evacuation of 50,000 people

• “The city ?has become a ghost town,” — Hicham Ajttou, Local Resident

Morocco evacuates 50,000 as flooding threatens city after weeks of heavy rain

• “Our greatest concern is that heavy rainfall is expected this week as well.” — Amine Bennani, Moroccan Association of Soft Fruit Producers

Floods in northern Morocco hit soft fruit growers

• “We are currently very, very stretched for resources.” — UN Official

Relentless rains and floods leave Africa reeling as UN seeks help

As the situation develops, authorities are focused on managing the immediate impacts of flooding while preparing for potential further evacuations and relief efforts. The long-term recovery will require significant investment in infrastructure to mitigate future flooding risks.

Relentless rains and floods leave Africa reeling as UN seeks help