More than 140,000 people have been evacuated from four provinces in northern Morocco as Storm Leonardo continues to unleash heavy rainfall and widespread flooding. The Moroccan government declared the provinces of Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem, and Sidi Slimane disaster areas on Thursday, following a directive from King Mohammed VI, according to reports.
The Interior Ministry reported on Thursday that a total of 143,164 individuals had been relocated from areas impacted by the floods. Larache province bore the brunt of the evacuations, with 110,941 people moved to safety. Kenitra province saw 16,914 evacuations, while Sidi Kacem accounted for 11,696, and Sidi Slimane for 3,613. Evacuations commenced last Friday, as the storm intensified.
Ksar El Kebir, located in Larache province, has been particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to the Loukkos River, the third-largest river in Morocco. The river overflowed its banks, inundating neighborhoods and prompting the closure of schools and public services. Approximately 85 percent of Ksar El Kebir’s population has been evacuated, officials stated.
Beyond displacement, residents are also facing disruptions to essential services. Power and water outages have been reported across the affected regions. Moroccan authorities, including the armed forces, have been mobilized to assist in rescue and relief efforts throughout the flood-prone areas.
The Ministry of Equipment and Water issued a warning on Thursday, forecasting an additional 2 to 3.5 inches of rain between noon Thursday and Friday night in Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Larache, Al Hoceima, and Taza. Taounate and Ouezzane are also expected to receive significant rainfall.
The scale of the flooding has prompted concerns about agricultural damage. Reports indicate substantial losses in the Gharb region, a key agricultural area. The extent of the damage is still being assessed.
The Moroccan government’s declaration of a disaster area is intended to facilitate the delivery of aid and resources to the affected provinces. The decision includes provisions for financial assistance and support for those who have lost their homes or livelihoods. However, questions remain regarding whether the ceiling of 3 billion dirhams allocated for insurance indemnities will be sufficient to cover all claims.
