Ksar El Kébir Placed on Maximum Alert as Loukkos River Levels Rise After Heavy Rainfall

Ksar El Kébir, January 29, 2026 — Provincial authorities in Larache raised the alert level to maximum on Wednesday in the city of Ksar El Kébir following a significant rise in the water level of the Loukkos River, caused by heavy rainfall recorded across the northwestern regions of the Kingdom.

The decision to activate the maximum alert applies to all relevant services, including local authorities, security services, the Loukkos Hydraulic Basin Agency, the Regional Multiservices Company, the Provincial Directorate of Equipment and Water, and the municipality of Ksar El Kébir. The measure forms part of close monitoring of areas exposed to flood risks, particularly due to water releases from the Oued El Makhazine dam over recent days.

Since Tuesday, the Governor of Larache Province, Bouassam El Alamine, has been conducting field visits to assess the situation of the Loukkos River, focusing on several locations identified as sensitive points. In coordination with all stakeholders, local and provincial authorities launched a general mobilization from the early hours of Wednesday, deploying all available human and logistical resources to address any potential flooding risks threatening the city.

As part of preventive measures, inspection tours and on-site interventions were carried out in vulnerable areas. A proactive operation was also launched involving the installation of sand barriers near homes bordering the Loukkos River. This precautionary step aims to preserve human lives, protect property, and ensure citizens’ safety amid the unusual climatic conditions affecting the city and its surroundings.

Provincial authorities called on residents to demonstrate cooperation and a strong sense of responsibility, urging them to remain vigilant and cautious until the end of these exceptional weather conditions.

In a statement to the Maghreb Arab Press (MAP), Mohamed Abdellah Ezzaouini, Director of the Loukkos Hydraulic Basin Agency, said Larache Province has recorded substantial rainfall, with cumulative precipitation exceeding 600 millimeters since September. These significant water inflows have resulted in the Oued El Makhazine dam reaching a 100 percent fill rate.

He explained that, as part of dam reservoir management—particularly in anticipation of further exceptional rainfall—controlled water releases have been scheduled to reduce current storage levels and create additional capacity. These operations are supervised by the Provincial Monitoring Commission, chaired by the Governor of Larache Province, which is also overseeing accompanying measures in Ksar El Kébir to limit flood risks, protect residents, and raise awareness of potential dangers.

For his part, Mohamed Zaim, Provincial Director of the Regional Multiservices Company for Tanger–Tetouan–Al Hoceima, noted that the recent heavy rainfall has caused river water levels to rise, affecting the normal functioning of Ksar El Kébir’s sanitation network. To address the situation, the company mobilized all necessary human and logistical resources to support local authorities’ efforts to safeguard citizens and their property.

Given the exceptional rainfall in recent days, he added, the company reinforced its deployment of equipment and personnel, in coordination with local and provincial teams as well as partner companies. Pumps were installed in flood-prone areas to prevent wastewater backflow into homes, thereby limiting health and material damage. Zaim also urged residents to avoid areas close to rivers and to report any issues affecting water, electricity, or sanitation networks so that rapid intervention can be ensured.

Several citizens interviewed by MAP praised the continued mobilization of provincial and local authorities and various stakeholders, highlighting the effectiveness of measures taken to mitigate the risks associated with rising river levels and to ensure the drainage of rainwater from streets and alleys.

Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to protect residential neighborhoods threatened by flooding. Azzedine Aittalab, Provincial Director of Equipment and Water in Larache, confirmed that work is continuing in Ksar El Kébir to install temporary barriers designed to prevent Loukkos River waters from reaching at-risk neighborhoods. These preventive actions aim to safeguard lives, protect property, and guarantee public safety.

Aittalab added that the Monitoring and Follow-up Commission, chaired by Governor Bouassam El Alamine, has been present in the city since Tuesday to closely track developments following the weather alert bulletin issued by the General Directorate of Meteorology. The commission conducted on-the-ground inspections at several sensitive points along the river to assess the situation firsthand.

Authorities emphasized that the activation of the maximum alert reflects an approach based on anticipation rather than delayed reaction. Water levels of the Loukkos River have been monitored in real time, with decisions taken in advance to prevent uncontrolled overflow. The coordinated mobilization of all services illustrates a clear and operational decision-making chain, supported by the effective presence of authorities on the ground.

Officials stressed that the situation does not represent an uncontrolled crisis or an institutional failure, but rather an exceptional climatic episode managed through established mechanisms of prevention and rapid response. Transparent and regular communication through official channels, particularly MAP, has been maintained to provide accurate and verified information, counter rumors, and ensure public reassurance.

Residents have been reminded that shared responsibility and continued vigilance remain essential until weather conditions stabilize, as authorities persist in their efforts to protect Ksar El Kébir and its population from flood-related risks.