Emergency Response Accelerates the Return of Residents in Flood-Hit Areas of Morocco
Moroccan authorities have adopted an integrated operational plan aimed at organizing a safe and gradual return of citizens under optimal conditions.
On Saturday, Moroccan authorities announced the implementation of a secure and phased return plan for residents who had previously been evacuated from several flood-stricken areas in the provinces of Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem, and Sidi Slimane. This decision follows improved weather conditions and intensive efforts by various authorities and relevant services to rehabilitate the affected regions.
The Ministry of the Interior emphasized that the return of residents depends on “the availability of appropriate conditions in terms of safety and security and the restoration of essential services.” It noted that since February 7, flood debris removal operations have been gradually launched in neighborhoods and areas where hydrological conditions permit. Cleaning campaigns have also begun, alongside the restoration of drinking water, electricity, sanitation, and telecommunications networks, as well as the reopening of roads and access routes to ensure optimal health and environmental conditions for residents’ return.
These announcements were made in separate statements issued by the governorates of Kenitra, Larache, Sidi Kacem, and Sidi Slimane, which the Moroccan government classified as “disaster-stricken areas.”
Larache authorities stated that the return of residents temporarily evacuated due to exceptional weather conditions would begin on Sunday. The governorates of Sidi Slimane, Sidi Kacem, and Kenitra set the same date to initiate the return process.
Local authorities specified the neighborhoods and areas included in the first phase of the plan, highlighting that a comprehensive operational framework has been adopted to ensure a safe and gradual return.
Authorities also announced that, starting early Sunday morning, free buses and trains would be provided to transport residents back to their areas.
Since January 28, several cities in these provinces have experienced widespread flooding, particularly Ksar El-Kebir in Larache province, after the Oued El-Makhazine dam reached 156 percent of its capacity and overflowed.
Floodwaters continue to isolate several villages, including M’Karda in Kenitra province and Al-Hawafat in Sidi Slimane, raising concerns about ongoing water releases from certain dams, including Oued El-Makhazine.
Earlier on Saturday, the Ministry of the Interior stated that areas included in each return phase would be announced progressively according to developments on the ground, urging residents in areas not yet officially authorized to refrain from returning until updates ensuring their safety are issued.
The ministry also announced the establishment of checkpoints at entry points to affected areas to regulate movement and ensure compliance with the approved procedures. A specific action plan has been adopted for each province to ensure “the gradual resumption of various public services through a flexible approach that takes into account evolving field conditions and guarantees continuity of essential services upon residents’ return.”
On Friday, the Moroccan government announced compensation of 140,000 dirhams (approximately $14,000) for each home destroyed by the floods, in addition to 6,000 dirhams (about $600) for each affected family.
The day before, the government allocated $300 million to support flood-affected areas, where the disaster caused significant human and material losses and led to widespread evacuations.
According to official data, approximately 188,000 people were evacuated from the four provinces after floodwaters submerged more than 110,000 hectares of land.
Local authorities in Ksar El-Kebir stated that they are coordinating with cities hosting displaced residents to organize the gradual return by mobilizing the necessary buses and ensuring safe transportation under optimal conditions.
Local sources reported that the city began to regain activity on Saturday after days of disruption, with shops and restaurants preparing to reopen in anticipation of a gradual return to normal life in the commercially vibrant city.
The sources added that the city’s weekly market, known as “Ouled Ahmaid,” will reopen on Sunday to ensure the resupply of essential goods to the city and neighboring villages.
