Feb 8 β€’ 23:11 UTC 🌍 Africa RFI Afrique (FR)

Morocco: Intense Rainfall does not Eliminate the Threat of Drought

Intense rainfall in Morocco has led to the evacuation of over 150,000 people due to flooding, while the persistent threat of drought continues to challenge the agricultural sector.

In Morocco, over 150,000 people have been evacuated in the northern regions due to intense rainfall causing significant flooding since the end of January. These evacuations were primarily preventive measures aimed at safeguarding residents from severe weather impacts. However, despite the deluge, the country is still grappling with the long-term consequences of a drought that has persisted for seven years, indicating a complex interplay between severe weather events and ongoing environmental challenges.

The Moroccan General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) has announced further forecasts for heavy rains, thunderstorms with hail risks, and strong winds expected until Tuesday across several provinces. Interestingly, the last five months have shown an increase in water supplies that exceeded the average of the last decade, suggesting a fluctuating climate pattern. Nevertheless, the farmers and agricultural sector remain apprehensive as heavy rain can also lead to crop damage and soil erosion, likely exacerbating the impact of the already existing drought.

The ongoing weather situation in Morocco raises concerns about the resilience of its agricultural systems and the livelihood of thousands of farmers relying on consistent weather patterns. While the intense rainfall offers short-term respite in water availability, it underscores the need for sustainable water management strategies to address the dual threats of flooding and drought. The situation calls for a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation in Morocco to build resilience against the extreme and often contradictory weather phenomena affecting the nation.

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