Moroccan authorities have evacuated around 50,000 people as weeks of unusually heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding, threatening homes, infrastructure, and public safety in parts of the country.
The prolonged downpours have inundated low-lying areas, overwhelmed drainage systems, and raised water levels near urban centres, prompting emergency evacuations to safer ground. Local officials said the move was precautionary, aimed at preventing loss of life as conditions continued to deteriorate.
While the flooding has caused widespread disruption, the rains have also brought an end to a seven-year drought that severely strained Morocco’s water resources. The prolonged dry spell had forced the government to invest heavily in desalination plants and other water-security measures to support cities, agriculture, and industry.
Emergency services have been deployed to assist displaced residents, secure affected neighbourhoods, and monitor rising water levels. Authorities warned that further rainfall could worsen flooding and urged residents in vulnerable areas to comply with evacuation orders.
The extreme weather highlights the growing volatility of climate patterns in North Africa, where countries are increasingly experiencing sharp swings between prolonged drought and intense rainfall. Experts note that while the replenishment of reservoirs offers long-term relief, the immediate risks posed by flooding underscore the need for stronger urban drainage systems and climate-resilient infrastructure.
As Morocco assesses damage and continues emergency operations, officials say priority remains on safeguarding lives while managing the longer-term challenge of adapting to increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.
