More than 150,000 people evacuated in northern Morocco due to heavy rains and floods

Northern Morocco has faced a devastating natural disaster, with over 150,000 residents forced to evacuate their homes due to severe flooding caused by heavy rains. The rapid rise of floodwaters over the past week has left many families trapped, some of whom had to seek refuge on their rooftops until rescue teams could reach them. Rescuers used small boats and helicopters to evacuate those stranded, highlighting the severity of the situation. The floods have inundated roads and destroyed numerous farms across the northern region, disrupting daily life and local economies.

The human toll has been tragic, with authorities confirming four fatalities, including a 60-year-old man and a two-year-old child. One individual remains missing, and rescue efforts continue in hopes of finding them safe. Many survivors recount feelings of intense fear, especially for their children, as water levels in some villages reached up to 1.5 meters, posing a grave threat to their safety.

In response to the disaster, the government established a large relief camp near the city of Kenitra. The camp, filled with thousands of small blue tents, currently shelters around 40,000 displaced people. Conditions within the camp are challenging—cold weather and limited space make daily life difficult. Families are doing their best to endure while awaiting the receding waters. Some have brought along their livestock, including cows, horses, and chickens, to keep them safe, as these animals are often their only remaining possessions.

Relief workers at the camp are distributing food, blankets, and warm clothing to those affected. Mobile clinics are also operating nearby, providing medical assistance to the injured and sick. Despite these efforts, many parents express ongoing anxiety, as their children remain traumatized by the events. Some families have sent members back to their villages to safeguard their property, but high water levels continue to pose a threat.

This crisis extends beyond Morocco, with neighboring countries such as Algeria and Tunisia experiencing similar severe floods that have resulted in loss of life. Even regions further afield, including Spain and Portugal, have faced powerful storms. As residents in the camps wait anxiously, they hope for the rain to cease so they can return home and begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.