Northern Morocco Floods: Ksar El Kebir on Maximum Alert as Loukkos River Swells

Heavy rains in northern Morocco have forced authorities in Ksar El Kebir to raise the flood alert to maximum as the Loukkos River threatens neighbourhoods. Streets, homes, and public facilities have been flooded, prompting evacuations, emergency camps, and the use of shelters. The Oued El Makhazine dam is full, and further heavy rain is forecast, keeping the risk of more flooding high.

Heavy rains in northern Morocco have prompted authorities in Ksar El Kebir to raise the flood alert to its maximum level, as the swollen Loukkos River threatens multiple neighbourhoods. Continuous rainfall has flooded streets and low-lying homes in the Larache province, triggering a full mobilisation of local authorities, emergency teams, security services, and utilities. Sand barriers have been erected along riverfront homes, while Governor Bouassam El Alamine inspects vulnerable points along the river and supervises emergency measures.
The Loukkos River Basin Agency reports that the region has received over 600 mm of rain since September, filling the Oued El Makhazine dam to full capacity. Controlled releases are underway to ease pressure and reduce downstream flooding. Rising river levels have overwhelmed Ksar El Kebir’s drainage system, prompting deployment of additional teams and pumps to prevent wastewater from entering homes. Emergency crews have also assisted critical public facilities, including evacuating patients and staff from a local hospital affected by water infiltration and access problems.
Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces have set up emergency camps and relocated families under royal directives to support residents affected by the floods. Municipal council president Mohamed Simo urged residents in high-risk areas to evacuate immediately to higher ground, noting that a dam has exceeded its discharge capacity. Public buildings such as schools, youth centres, and cultural centres are being converted into shelters, with authorities providing food, blankets, bedding, and emergency aid for evacuees.
Several towns in northwestern Morocco are experiencing swollen rivers and flooding, while Tétouan–Sania R’mel Airport was temporarily closed on Thursday for safety checks. The General Directorate of Meteorology forecasts further heavy rain, showers, and strong winds across multiple provinces on Friday, maintaining a high risk of additional flooding.