Rabat – Authorities in Tangier have announced the launch of the organized return of citizens who were temporarily evacuated due to severe weather in Larache province over the past weeks.
According to a statement released today, authorities in the Tangier Assilah prefecture mobilized all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of affected residents.
The operation involved several trains and dozens of buses providing direct trips between Tangier and Ksar El Kebir.
The authorities’ statement comes as Morocco is witnessing calm weather compared to previous weeks when rainfall and heavy storms swept the country, causing floods in many regions.
Heavy rainfall also caused rising water levels across the country’s major dams.
To avoid severe repercussions, Moroccan authorities evacuated over 188,000 people to safe areas.
Early today, however, evacuees arrived at Tangier city train station, with the first train to Ksar El Kebir departing at 8 a.m. under the supervision of local authorities, national police, and auxiliary forces.
Families of all ages expressed relief and joy at returning to their homes, authorities reported.
The statement emphasized that the clearing of flood debris in neighborhoods where conditions allowed was conducted.
The restoration of water, electricity, sanitation, and communication networks and road access was also carried out by local authorities.
A dozen buses transported residents directly back to Ksar El Kebir, authorities concluded.
Earlier this week, King Mohammed VI ordered the government to ensure extensive support with an estimated budget of MAD 3 billion to assist people affected by recent floods and evacuations.
Under the monarch’s instructions, the government announced a program granting direct financial aid of up to MAD 6,0000 per affected family following the severe floods.
The direct aid also includes households receiving MAD 15,000 for the rehabilitation of damaged homes and small businesses and MAD 140,000 for the reconstruction of homes that collapsed due to the floods.
Households must send an SMS to 1212, indicating their national electronic identity card number and date of birth, allowing relevant services to verify the family’s situation and process the request as quickly as possible.
On Thursday, Morocco declared Larache, Sidi Kacem, Kenitra, and Sidi Slimane as disaster zones.
