As the risks associated with heavy rainfall intensify, Morocco is stepping up efforts to limit flood damage. The measures combine on-the-ground works, infrastructure upgrades and improved forecasting tools, with the aim of better protecting people, property and public facilities.
The policy is backed by a legal framework that includes Law No. 30.15 on dam safety and Law No. 36.15 on water. These laws help identify flood-prone areas and strengthen prevention and early intervention mechanisms based on available scientific and technical data.
The National Flood Protection Plan, updated in 2017, is another key tool. It identifies areas at risk, classifies them according to their level of exposure and sets out action programs for the short, medium and long term.
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On the ground, 33 flood protection projects were completed in several provinces across the Kingdom between 2021 and 2026. Work is continuing on another 15 projects across different regions, while 12 new projects are scheduled to begin in 2026. These initiatives aim to expand protection measures and improve the ability of the most exposed areas to withstand extreme weather events.
The work includes river channel improvements, dam construction and infrastructure upgrades. It is also accompanied by the modernization of hydrological monitoring stations, the development of early warning systems and improvements to measurement and monitoring networks. Authorities also aim to speed up data transmission and strengthen coordination between river basin agencies and other stakeholders, while securing the funding needed for priority projects.
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Managing dam reservoirs is another component of the system. An annual flexible management program is being implemented to balance water security with the need to maintain safety reserves ahead of periods of heavy rainfall. The approach also includes the development of an atlas of flood-prone areas and hydrodynamic models that can simulate different scenarios and help authorities prioritize interventions.
These measures fall under the National Integrated Strategy for Natural Disaster Risk Management. By improving coordination among the various stakeholders, Morocco aims to strengthen forecasting and preparedness, reduce the impact of flooding and provide better protection for people and infrastructure.
