Morocco: Gradual return of residents of the northwest of the country after improved weather conditions

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Government media in Morocco said on Monday that the authorities have begun organizing the gradual return of residents to the city of Ksar El-Kebir and other northwestern areas affected by the floods, as weather conditions improve. While official data showed that rainfall this winter was 35 percent higher than the average recorded since the 1990s and three times higher than last year.

Published on: 02/17/2026 - 10:51

Moroccan media reported on Monday that the authorities, with the support of the army, have helped evacuate 188,000 people since early February, to protect them from river floods that swept 110,000 hectares in the northwest.

The Ministry of Interior said that most residents of Ksar El-Kébir, located 213 kilometers north of Rabat, can now return to their homes, with the exception of those living in some neighborhoods.

$330 million to improve infrastructure

For its part, state television reported that residents who wanted to travel to relatives in other cities or move to centers and camps provided by the authorities obtained free train and bus tickets.

The Prime Minister's Office said last week that Morocco plans to spend three billion dirhams ($330 million) to improve infrastructure and support residents, farmers and shopkeepers affected by floods in flooded areas. He also announced that the most affected municipalities are considered disaster areas.

Emergency emptying of dam water

The Wadi Makhazin Dam, which reached 160 percent of its capacity, was forced to gradually empty water downstream after exceptional flows, which led to a rise in the water level in the Lokos River, which flooded the Grand Palace and the surrounding plains.

The record rains ended a seven-year drought that prompted the country to increase investments in water desalination.

In addition, official data showed that rainfall this winter was 35 percent higher than the average recorded since the 1990s and three times higher than last year. The filling rate of dams in Morocco rose to nearly 70 percent from 27 percent the previous year, as a number of large dams were partially emptied to accommodate new flows.