Impact of Heavy Rains in Al Haouz
The Al Haouz region has recently experienced intense thunderstorms that resulted in significant rainfall, leading to the flooding of several streams and valleys. This inundation caused disruptions in traffic across various roadways. Authorities, including local governments and road maintenance services, promptly intervened to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
Official reports obtained by the electronic newspaper Hespress indicate that National Road No. 9, which connects Marrakech to Ouarzazate, faced rockfalls and debris at the Tadrart 2 area within the municipality of Zraqtan. Despite these challenges, traffic was not fully halted, as the regional road management office acted quickly to clear the accumulated materials from the roadway.
Road Closures and Recovery Efforts
Meanwhile, National Road No. 7, linking Marrakech and Taroudant, experienced complete traffic stoppage near the Agzer Nomzil stream close to the Taqem village, as well as at the Talat Nourhal stream in the 'Rha' region of the Moulay Ibrahim municipality. Fortunately, as floodwaters receded, authorities were able to reopen these routes after deploying the necessary equipment and personnel from the regional maintenance office and private contractors.
Additionally, the provincial road No. 2016, connecting Taghdouine to Abadou, was closed at the Imin Tskht area in Zraqtan due to the overflow of a stream. Local authorities swiftly mobilized machinery to begin clearing operations once water levels lowered. Similar recovery efforts were undertaken for rural paths in the same municipality, which were also successfully reopened.
The flooding of the Kaji River, which serves as a boundary between the municipalities of Aghmat and Ikirfrouan, obstructed traffic on an unclassified road connecting Ourika to Ikirfrouan. During this interruption, an alternative route via provincial road No. 2010 was established until the original road could be reopened. Furthermore, the link between the Anzal village and the Agbalo village in the Tzarat municipality was disrupted at the Arkiwin area but has since been repaired and restored.
In the Threes N'Yacoub area, the flooding and falling debris caused traffic disruptions in the municipalities of Iggoukk and Aghbar. The unclassified, paved road between Iggoukk center and the Ait Ayoub village faced interruptions at the Akarda - Ait Ayoub section, along with the paths connecting Ait Ayoub to Tikundafine and Anzkam, and between Ait Moussa and Zawiyat Amslan. Authorities mobilized the necessary equipment to clear the debris from these routes.
Additionally, the flooding of the Okstam River on the night of October 8-9 led to partial collapse of a bridge on the unclassified road connecting the Ait Hakim Ait Izid center and the Aizizel village at the Okstam area, resulting in traffic stoppages on Friday morning. However, local government machinery swiftly intervened to reopen the road.
Officials confirmed that the provincial authorities are closely monitoring the situation under the direct supervision of the regional governor. They urge road users and local residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid crossing streams and rivers during flooding, adhering to the directives provided by authorities.
As reported by hespress.com.
