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Morocco deploys army as floods force thousands to evacuate

Feb 1, 2026, 2:45 AM10
(Update: Feb 1, 2026, 2:45 AM)
sovereign state in North Africa
Capital of Morocco

Morocco deploys army as floods force thousands to evacuate

  • Morocco faced severe flooding due to torrential rains and increased river levels, particularly affecting the northwest region.
  • Army rescue units were deployed to assist with evacuations, relocating over 20,000 people to shelters.
  • The flooding is significant as it follows a seven-year drought and has resulted in schools closing and heightened emergency measures.
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In Morocco, a series of floods resulted from torrential rains and rising river levels, significantly impacting the northwest region of the country. On January 31, 2026, state television reported that the Moroccan government had mobilized army rescue units to assist with evacuations, as thousands of individuals needed to be moved to safety. The severe weather conditions were exacerbated by the release of water from a nearly full dam, which caused the Loukous River to overflow, leading to the inundation of several neighborhoods, particularly in the city of Ksar Kbir, situated approximately 190 kilometers north of the capital, Rabat. As a response to the emergency, over 20,000 people were reported to have been relocated to temporary shelters and camps by state media. Protective measures, such as the erection of sandbags and barriers, were implemented in various flood-prone districts in anticipation of further issues as water levels began to recede. Additionally, schools in Ksar Kbir have been ordered to remain closed until February 7 as a precaution against the ongoing risks posed by potential flooding. The flooding in Morocco is particularly notable given the backdrop of recent heavy rains, which have concluded a seven-year drought that prompted the nation to invest heavily in desalination plants. Official data indicated that the average filling rate of dams has risen to 60%, with several major reservoirs nearing full capacity. In a related incident, just weeks prior to these floods, 37 people lost their lives due to flash floods in the Atlantic coastal city of Safi, located south of Rabat, further highlighting the severe impact of weather events in the region. As local authorities in the province of Sidi Kacem heightened vigilance due to increasing water levels in the Sebou River, evacuations from several villages have taken place, underscoring the widespread challenges posed by this weather crisis. In summary, the confluence of heightened rainfall and dam management practices compounded to create a significant flooding situation that has necessitated a large-scale emergency response in Morocco.

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