More than 20,000 people were moved into emergency shelters and temporary camps across northern Morocco by Saturday after days of heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow and flooded multiple communities, according to official media reports.
Authorities said conditions began to stabilize in some areas as water levels slowly receded, but emergency services remained on high alert amid continued concerns over river surges and ground saturation.
The worst effects were felt in low lying and flood prone districts, where residents were evacuated as rising waters threatened homes, farmland, and public facilities. Civil protection teams deployed sandbags and installed temporary barriers to limit further damage, while rescue workers assisted families forced to leave their homes.
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In the city of Ksar Kbir, local authorities ordered schools to remain closed until February 7 as a precaution. Officials said the decision was taken to protect students and staff while safety assessments continue on school buildings and access roads.
Nearby, in the province of Sidi Kacem, swelling water levels along the Sebou River triggered evacuations from several villages. Authorities raised vigilance levels and urged residents living close to riverbanks to remain cautious, according to reports cited by Reuters.
Emergency crews continued to monitor river flows and infrastructure, including bridges and embankments, as part of ongoing response efforts.
While rainfall eased in some regions, officials warned that the risk had not fully passed. Saturated soil and damaged drainage systems increase the chance of renewed flooding if additional rain falls.
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Temporary shelters were established to accommodate displaced families, with local officials coordinating food distribution and medical assistance. State media reported that assessments were underway to determine the extent of damage to homes, roads, and agricultural land.
Despite the destruction, the rainfall has brought a major shift in Morocco’s water outlook. The country had endured a seven year drought that severely reduced water reserves and placed pressure on farming communities and urban supplies.
The prolonged dry spell led the government to invest heavily in desalination plants and water management projects to secure long term supply.
According to official data, the average dam filling rate has now risen to 60 percent nationwide, with several major reservoirs reaching full capacity. Water officials said the replenished dams offer critical relief but stressed that careful management remains essential to avoid further flood damage.
The latest flooding comes weeks after flash floods killed at least 37 people in the Atlantic coastal city of Safi, south of Rabat. That incident raised concerns about Morocco’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the impact of sudden, intense rainfall on urban areas.
Emergency officials said lessons from the Safi disaster informed the rapid evacuations carried out this week, helping prevent further loss of life.
Authorities said monitoring will continue in affected regions over the coming days as weather conditions evolve. Engineers are expected to inspect flood defenses, while local administrations prepare plans to assist displaced residents returning home once conditions allow.
