Morocco's dams fill as heavy rains hit north
National reservoirs hold 11.21 billion cubic meters of water, reaching 65.82% capacity after storms.
Heavy rain brought up to 40 millimeters of rainfall to parts of northern Morocco this week, prompting authorities to prepare for possible flooding. The General Directorate of Meteorology issued an orange weather warning on Wednesday, expecting another 20 to 35 millimeters of rain in 16 provinces. Hail and strong winds could accompany the storms, which have already affected areas like Ifrane, which recorded 40 millimeters of rain over 24 hours.
Authorities in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region are reinforcing flood precautions, particularly near waterways. Concerns about reservoir operations have also surfaced, though sources dismissed reports of exceptional releases from Oued El Makhazine and Dar Khrofa dams. Oued El Makhazine's daily discharge of approximately 400,000 cubic meters is for electricity generation and irrigation, not an emergency response.
As of November 3, Oued El Makhazine was approximately 65% full and Dar Khrofa around 80.5%. This rainfall arrives as Morocco’s national reservoirs hold 11.21 billion cubic meters of water, reaching 65.82% of their capacity. This is more than double the 31.12% recorded on November 4, 2025, following a prolonged drought.
Why it mattersMoroccan farmers and citizens will benefit from replenished water reserves for agriculture and drinking water after a period of drought.