Floods in Morocco: Evacuations Continue and Severe Losses in the Agricultural Sector
Evacuations are ongoing in northwestern Morocco due to unprecedented rainfall and dam discharges, resulting in significant agricultural losses.
Evacuations are continuing in northwestern Morocco as water levels rise dramatically due to record rainfall and extensive dam discharges. According to Al Jazeera's correspondent in Kenitra, the evacuations are driven by ongoing severe weather conditions and an escalating risk of flooding in rural communities. Notably, the water level of the Sebou River has reached alarming heights, prompting authorities to completely evacuate homes and relocate residents to designated shelters for safety measures.
The correspondent, Mukhtar Al-Ablaoui, noted that the flooding is primarily a result of torrential rains; however, the most significant cause has been the strategic release of water from dams that have approached their full capacity. This proactive measure aims to manage water levels in response to the extraordinary rainfall. The decision to discharge water, while necessary to prevent more extensive flooding, has also contributed to the current crisis faced by farmers and livestock breeders in the region, who are experiencing severe damages to their livelihoods.
As authorities mobilize resources to ensure the safety of displaced residents, there are growing concerns about the agricultural sector's recovery prospects. The ongoing rainfall and the expanding areas affected by flooding underscore the vulnerability of the environment and local communities to weather-related disasters. This situation highlights the urgent need for effective disaster response mechanisms and infrastructure improvements in the face of increasingly severe climate events.