Rising water levels on the Loukkos, collapsed houses in Chefchaouen and more than 900 operations in Taounate: authorities, water management and the financial sector are responding with emergency measures and support programs.
Tangier – Persistent heavy rains have led to significant flooding and damage to transport routes, homes and supply networks in several regions of northern Morocco. Ksar El Kébir in the Loukkos catchment area, rural areas of Chefchaouen province and Taounate province are particularly affected. While emergency services on site secure roads and organize evacuations, authorities rely on coordinated water management and preventive measures.
Rising discharges at the dam are increasing levels in the Loukkos basin
The focal point of the location is the catchment area of the Loukkos River. According to the Loukkos Hydraulic Basin Agency (ABHL), the reservoir of the Oued El Makhazine Dam received around 109 million cubic meters of water in 24 hours – from 7 a.m. Monday to 7 a.m. Tuesday.
The automatic overflow exceeded 787 cubic meters per second on Tuesday morning. ABHL’s Yassine Wahby told the MAP news agency that the dam was « in very good condition », that the water rise was being controlled properly and that regular safety checks had produced positive results. The gradual discharge is intended to reduce the level in the reservoir in a controlled manner.
At the same time, the increased discharge volumes are accompanied by rising water levels downstream – especially in Ksar El Kébir.
Ksar El Kébir partially surrounded by floodwaters.
In Ksar El Kébir, the situation had worsened significantly as of February 10, 2026. The water level of the Loukkos rose again and flooded other neighborhoods, including Al Marina and Al-Andalous. Central traffic axes such as the road to Larache and access roads in the south and west of the city were also temporarily affected.
A water level of over 2.5 meters was reported in a newly developed residential area along Larache Street. Several neighborhoods were cordoned off, metal barriers were erected and pumping work began. Emergency crews clear clogged sewer pipes to improve drainage.
Families from particularly vulnerable areas along the riverbed were accommodated in reception centers in Larache. A local monitoring committee meets regularly to assess developments and determine conditions for a gradual return. Authorities continue to urge the population to exercise caution and advise against early returns to flooded areas.
More than 40 houses collapsed in Chefchaouen
In Chefchaouen province, persistent rains led to the collapse of more than 40 homes in the villages of Achouken and Oulasen (Ounan municipality). Several roads were also damaged, making relief efforts and accessibility more difficult.
A local activist spoke to the media calling for rapid support to the affected population and strengthening prevention measures to better deal with future floods. The damage illustrates the vulnerability of rural buildings to long-term rainfall.
Over 900 missions to secure roads and supplies
In Taounate province, more than 900 interventions have been registered since the storm began, including 485 operations on the road network. Sections of National Road No. 8 as well as numerous regional and provincial roads were affected.
The measures included clearing mud and rubble, securing damaged roadways and work to drain rainwater. According to the provincial administration, 308 families with a total of 1,161 people received support after their houses partially or completely collapsed or were endangered by rising water levels.
In addition, around 115 missions were carried out to repair drinking water, electricity and wastewater networks. Authorities emphasize close coordination between local administrations, technical services and security forces to maintain transport connections and basic services.
Authorities reject false reports
In addition to operational challenges, the administration of the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region faced misinformation spread on social media. There was talk of an alleged registration of evacuees from Ksar El Kébir in Tangier.
The responsible wilaya made it clear that such a procedure does not exist and called on citizens to only use official sources of information. The aim is to avoid additional uncertainty in the tense situation.
Banks implement support programs
The financial sector is also reacting to the consequences of the storms. Al Barid Bank Group announced an extraordinary package of measures. This includes mobile branches in affected areas as well as fee-free cash withdrawals for victims in branches and via the Barid Cash network.
In addition, under certain conditions, private and business customers can apply for a deferral of mortgage and consumer loans for up to two months. The aim is to reduce the short-term financial burden on affected households and companies and to ensure access to banking services even in regions that are difficult to reach.
Further developments depend largely on the weather conditions in the coming days. While the level in the Oued El Makhazine reservoir is gradually stabilizing, according to authorities, the risk of localized flooding in low-lying areas remains. The events underscore the importance of coordinated disaster response, resilient infrastructure and transparent communication in times of extreme weather.
Source:
maghreb-post.de