DR ‹ › On Thursday evening, authorities launched large-scale evacuation operations in the city of Ksar el-Kebir, affecting 13 residential neighborhoods, as the Loukkos River overflowed and reached critical levels. The measures included cutting electricity to several key facilities, amid official warnings of heavy rainfall forecast in the coming days. The evacuations targeted densely populated areas. Local authorities continued to urge residents to leave their homes to avoid being trapped by rising floodwaters. According to local sources, rescue teams have encountered difficulties on the ground, as some families have refused to comply with evacuation orders despite repeated warnings. In this context, Zineb Simou, a member of parliament from the National Rally of Independents (RNI), announced that emergency shelters have been opened for affected residents. In a post on her Facebook account, she said that schools with upper floors, including dormitories and student residences, have been made available to evacuees, with the possibility of additional measures depending on how the situation evolves. The flooding is attributed to the complete filling of the Oued Al Makhazine dam, which has reached a 100% capacity following exceptional rainfall. As a result, spillway gates were opened to release excess water, significantly increasing the flow of the Loukkos River beyond its capacity. Despite the severity of the situation, the regional delegation of the Ministry of Health confirmed that no fatalities have been recorded so far. It noted the effectiveness of the emergency health plan, which allowed for the evacuation of the central hospital and the rapid transfer of patients to safe healthcare facilities.
