Morocco: $330 million plan to tackle floods
Morocco is set to spend $330 million on infrastructure upgrades and support for flood-affected residents, farmers, and businesses in its northwestern plains.
Morocco has announced a substantial investment of 3 billion dirhams (approximately $330 million) aimed at upgrading infrastructure and providing aid to those impacted by recent floods, particularly in the northwestern regions of the country. The announcement was made by the Prime Minister's office following severe rainfall and overflow from dams, which have inundated villages, agricultural lands, and the city of Ksar El Kebir. Reports indicate that these floods have displaced around 188,000 people and submerged 110,000 hectares of farmland, marking a significant environmental and humanitarian crisis in the area.
In response to the disasters, the Moroccan government has declared the most affected municipalities as disaster zones, which enables them to allocate resources and support more effectively. The aid plan includes a budget exceeding 1.7 billion dirhams designated for repairing essential infrastructure, such as roads and irrigation networks. These improvements are seen as crucial for restoring normalcy and ensuring that impacted communities can recover and reconnect.
Beyond immediate repairs, the remaining funds will focus on resettling those displaced by the floods and fostering resilience against future disasters. The governmentβs proactive measures reflect an urgent need to not only address the current humanitarian situation but also to enhance infrastructure to withstand similar climate-related challenges in the future. This initiative signals Morocco's commitment to disaster management and its aim to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.