Morocco has announced plans to spend approximately $330 million to support communities in the north affected by weeks of severe flooding, the government said Thursday.
King Mohammed VI directed the launch of “a broad support programme for affected families and communities,” with funds designated for the provinces of Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem, and Sidi Slimane, all declared disaster zones.
The 3 billion dirham (around $328 million) budget will cover repairing damaged roads and agricultural infrastructure, relocating displaced households, compensating lost income, and refurbishing flooded homes and businesses. Aid will also extend to farmers and address basic needs for affected populations.
Since late January, exceptional rainfall has flooded over 110,000 hectares and displaced nearly 188,000 people across the region. Despite emergency evacuations, four people died last weekend in Tetouan after a flash flood swept away their vehicle, and one passenger remains missing.
The Gharb and Loukkos river basins, key agricultural areas irrigating these provinces, host large cereal farms, livestock holdings, and plantations of red fruits, vegetables, and sugar beets for export. Between January 11 and February 11, water inflows reached 8.82 billion cubic metres — almost equaling the total of the past two years combined, according to government figures.
The Moroccan government said the emergency programme aims to mitigate immediate losses while restoring vital infrastructure and supporting long-term recovery for the region’s residents and farmers.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
