Rainfall in the Loukkos region of northern Morocco has exceeded the capacity of the dams. The main reservoirs in the Loukkos region are saturated or near saturation, and the region continues to expect heavy rains this week. The damage is most severe in the city of Kser Kebir, which is bisected by the Loukkos River, forcing the evacuation of its residents.

In agricultural terms, the region is home to diverse crops, including berries—such as blueberries—, in addition to potatoes, sugar crops, and cereals. The production areas of berries They are located outside the most flooded areas, but are still registering significant damage, according to several producers.

Amine Bennani, president of the Moroccan Association of Soft Fruit Producers, describes an alarming situation. “The waters flooded Kser Kebir last Thursday. The town itself doesn't produce berries or blueberries, but it provides a significant portion of the workforce, which is currently unavailable due to the evacuation. In the rest of Loukkos, especially in the Larache area and its surroundings, where berry production is concentrated—including the blueberry—, the situation remains worrying. Producers are suffering from the harsh weather, with incessant rain and strong winds.”

The producers' representative states that adverse weather conditions have caused widespread damage to berry greenhouses, which he estimates at no less than 10% of the total area of ​​the Loukkos region.

"Our biggest concern is that heavy rains are expected this week as well. We don't know how the situation will develop, and the producers fear the worst," Bennani continued.

© Larache Grower

A berry grower from Larache expressed his dismay: “At the moment, the damage is significant and affects low-lying farms and those located near streams. Years of drought encouraged many farmers to plant in flood-prone areas, and this week they were caught off guard. Whatever the damage may be, we know it's nothing compared to what awaits us this week.”

Another producer from Laaoumra says: “All producers have been affected to a greater or lesser degree. Many plantations are submerged, and the winds have blown away greenhouses. It is still too early to assess the damage, especially since more flooding is expected this week.”