Rabat — Bouchaib Makran, the regional representative of the Sebou river basin agency in Kenitra, said the water storage in the basin’s dams has exceeded 4.8 billion cubic meters.
He told Morocco’s news agency that the number represents a significant recovery in the region’s water resources, detailing that the substantial stock almost reaches the total basin capacity at 6.5 billion cubic meters.
This is made possible, he said, thanks to record water inflows recently registered in the reservoirs, totaling over 2.6 billion cubic meters.
The river basin includes 11 large dams, 51 small dams, and a lake.
Makran described the Sebou River as one of the most important in the country.
Covering an area of nearly 40,000 square kilometers, it serves as a major help to agricultural and industrial activities that are vital to Morocco’s economy.
Recent rainfall lifted the basin out of a state of water stress. Makran described this season as exceptional, with rainfall levels exceeding the usual annual average by 56%.”
The basin agency is now managing water abundance due to the notable increase in reservoir levels, particularly through proactive and gradual releases from the Al Wahda dam. It aims to protect the dam infrastructure and ensure the safety of residents and equipment in case of potential flooding.
Authorities in Sidi Kacem in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region are now implementing several proactive measures to address the risks of rising water levels in the Sebou River.
On Saturday, local authorities said that evacuation operations are continuing, especially in the Douar Ait Daoud in the commune of Tekna, to protect human lives and property.
In Ksar El Kebir, a region that has been hit exceptionally hard by the extreme weather, Moroccan authorities also ordered the temporary suspension of classes after severe storms triggered widespread flooding and disrupted access to schools across the city.
The Provincial Directorate of National Education, Preschool Education and Sports in Larache announced that all public and private schools, including preschool units, will remain closed from February 2-7.
