Rabat – After days of heavy rainfall and rising waters from the Sebou River, authorities in Sidi Kacem turned their attention to one of the province’s most vulnerable sectors: livestock.
On Wednesday, the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA), in coordination with local authorities and Civil Protection units, carried out emergency field operations in the commune of Al Houafate.
The objective was to assess the condition of herds affected by flooding and provide immediate medical care to prevent further losses.
Veterinary teams traveled directly to farms and animal shelters that water had surrounded or partially submerged.
They examined cattle and sheep on site and administered treatment to animals that showed signs of illness or stress linked to the floods.
Officials also launched precautionary vaccination campaigns. Cattle received vaccines against foot-and-mouth disease, while sheep were immunized against sheep pox and peste des petits ruminants (PPR), two illnesses that pose serious risks in post-flood conditions.
For many farmers, the intervention brought relief at a critical time.
Support extended beyond medical care. The Regional Office for Agricultural Development of Gharb, in coordination with local authorities, distributed free barley and compound feed to affected livestock breeders in Al Houafate.
Farmers said the assistance arrived at a decisive moment, as access to grazing areas remains limited and feed supplies have suffered disruption.
Beneficiaries expressed hope that water levels will decline in the coming days so agricultural activity can resume.
The operations in Al Houafate form part of a broader provincial mobilization to address the impact of intense rainfall and the increase in the Sebou River’s water levels.
Authorities continue efforts to stabilize conditions and limit long-term damage to rural communities in Sidi Kacem.
