Morocco flood evacuations continued across the country’s north as heavy rainfall forced more than 150,000 people from their homes, leaving at least four people killed and one missing, according to Moroccan authorities. Families evacuated to temporary camps say they remain shaken and uncertain about when they can return home.
The flooding has affected several northwestern provinces over the past week, inundating villages, farmland, and major roads. Authorities warned that further bad weather is expected in the coming days.
Flood Deaths Confirmed in Northern Morocco
Moroccan officials said four people, including a two year old child, were killed after being swept away by floodwaters near the northern city of Tetouan. A fifth person remains missing.
According to an official statement, the victims were traveling in a car that was caught in sudden flooding on a road near a major river. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of a 14 year old girl and the toddler on Saturday night, followed by the bodies of a 12 year old boy and a man in his thirties on Sunday morning. Search operations for the missing person were still underway.
Evacuees Sheltered in Large Camps Near Kenitra
Near Kenitra, around 50 kilometers north of Rabat, authorities established a large camp of blue tents sheltering nearly 40,000 evacuees. Among them is 67 year old Kasia El Selami, who said she learned it was time to flee through an announcement broadcast from her local mosque.
She described widespread fear among families, particularly for children, as floodwaters rose rapidly through villages. Many evacuees were rescued from rooftops, while others were evacuated by small boats and helicopters as roads became impassable.
Living Conditions and Emergency Support
Inside the camp, families are coping with limited resources while awaiting permission to return home. Livestock including cows, sheep, and poultry were placed in enclosures nearby, while residents lined up at mobile clinics for basic medical care.
Civil defence teams distributed mattresses, warm clothing, and food. Officials said health services and veterinary check ups for animals were also being provided.
Fear of Further Flooding Remains
Several evacuees expressed concern about returning too soon. Ali Al Aouni, 60, said floodwaters in his village reached about one and a half meters. He added that his children remained frightened, and that the cold conditions inside the camp added to their anxiety.
Morocco’s national weather service forecast continued heavy rainfall through Tuesday, raising fears of renewed flooding in already affected areas.
Regional Context of Extreme Weather
The floods come weeks after deadly weather events elsewhere in North Africa and southern Europe. In December, sudden flooding in Safi killed 37 people in Morocco’s deadliest weather related disaster in a decade.
In recent weeks, floods in Algeria killed two people, including a child, while Tunisia reported at least five deaths after its heaviest rainfall in more than 70 years. Spain and Portugal have also experienced severe storms and torrential rain.
Conclusion:
As Morocco flood evacuations continue, thousands of displaced residents remain in temporary shelters, waiting for water levels to recede and safety assessments to allow their return. Authorities say emergency operations will remain in place as long as severe weather persists.
