Oued El Makhazine Dam Remains Stable Despite Significant Inflows, Moroccan Authorities Report
Moroccan authorities report that the situation at the Oued El Makhazine dam is currently stable, with water levels gradually decreasing thanks to controlled releases from the automatic spillway. Despite receiving substantial rainfall in recent days, officials maintain the dam is in “very good condition” and being managed effectively.
Dam Operations and Water Levels
A senior official with the Loukkos Hydraulic Basin Agency (ABHL) stated on Tuesday that the dam’s reservoir level is dropping as a result of the ongoing operation of the automatic spillway. The controlled release is a key component of managing the significant water inflows the structure has experienced over the past 24 hours. Approximately 109 million cubic meters (m3) of water entered the reservoir between 7 a.m. Monday and 7 a.m. Tuesday, impacting the overall water level.
The official emphasized that the management of the reservoir’s increasing water level is proceeding “in a correct and normal manner.” Regular inspections and safety checks have yielded “positive indicators,” confirming the dam’s structural integrity.
Spillway Flow Rate and Future Projections
The flow rate of the spillway exceeded 787 m3 per second on Tuesday morning. Authorities explained that this rate is directly correlated to the reservoir’s water level – increasing as the level rises and decreasing as it falls. The continued operation of the spillway is expected to contribute to a gradual decline in the reservoir’s level, particularly as weather conditions improve.
. A visual representation of the dam’s water level fluctuations over the past week would provide valuable context.
Flood Response in Ksar El Kébir
The city of Ksar El Kébir is actively mobilizing resources to protect citizens and secure property in the face of rising water levels in the Loukkos wadi. Several neighborhoods, along with the southern and western entrances to the city, have experienced flooding. These proactive measures are based on current field data and weather forecasts, which indicate that floodwaters are not receding and the risk remains high.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution and refrain from returning to affected areas until the situation stabilizes and official instructions are issued. The priority remains the preservation of human life and the safety of all citizens.
The situation “is being managed in a positive manner, with the mobilization of all stakeholders,” according to the official, who expressed confidence that the reservoir level will continue to decrease with ongoing spill operations and improved weather.
