Since the night of Friday, October 10, the province of Nador and several nearby towns have been experiencing severe weather characterized by continuous rain and gusts of wind. In just a few hours, entire neighborhoods have been flooded, roads have been blocked, and homes have been submerged, plunging residents into a difficult situation.
Exceptional Precipitation
Rainfall has reached levels rarely recorded in the region, exceeding 60 millimeters in less than 24 hours at times. In Bouarg, Selouane and Al Aroui, residents have had to confront torrents of water flooding the streets and sweeping away vehicles and debris.
In some coastal areas, the sea has risen enough to overflow onto the roadway, rendering several stretches completely impassable. Civil protection services have intervened repeatedly to evacuate residents trapped by rising waters.
Blocked Roads and Traffic Disruption
The main routes connecting Nador to its peripheral municipalities have seen significant disruptions. Landslides have been reported in mountainous areas, while several secondary roads have been temporarily closed to traffic.
Motorists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to remain vigilant, particularly on the coastal road where wind gusts reached over 80 km/h in some areas.
Significant Material Damage
Many homes, businesses, and warehouses have suffered substantial material damage. In several popular neighborhoods of Nador city, water has infiltrated ground floors and garages, damaging electrical equipment and furniture.
Municipal services have mobilized teams to clear drains and attempt to restore water flow. Pumping operations are still ongoing in the most affected areas.
A Situation Worsened by Urbanization and Lack of Drainage
According to several observers, the severity of the flooding is partly explained by the inadequacy of the stormwater drainage system. Rapid urban growth, soil paving, and the absence of infiltration spaces have heightened the city's vulnerability to heavy rains.
The phenomenon of climate change, with increasing instances of extreme weather events, also exacerbates the situation in the coastal areas of northern Morocco.
Call for Vigilance and Prevention
Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid travel in at-risk areas. Rescue services remain mobilized, while technical teams assess the state of roads and infrastructure.
Awareness campaigns are also planned to encourage the public to adopt the right reflexes during heavy rainfall: avoid crossing flooded areas, cut electricity in case of water infiltration, and secure outdoor objects.
Towards a Reflection on Urban Resilience
These severe weather events highlight the need for a comprehensive planning and risk prevention plan in the Nador region. Improving the stormwater drainage network, reforesting upstream areas, and creating retention basins are among the urgent measures to consider to mitigate damage during future events.
Sources: fr.le360.ma, yabiladi.com, Météo Maroc
