Morocco floods of 2014: What we can learn from Guelmim and Sidi Ifni

This study reviews what can be learned from devastating floods in Morocco in 2014, based on research led by a group of experts in that country. One urgently-needed way to address the risks would be to install early warning systems in Morocco’s southern region. Beyond that, improving data, flood maps, weather forecasting and disaster protocols would represent significant contributions in efforts to increase resilience. Apart from the above, other suggestions aiming at improving flood resilience include the following :

• include local communities in the process;
• educate the public to understand risk and take the right action ahead of and in times of crisis;
• learn from past flood events;
• improve drainage capacities in urban areas;
• find the solutions that fit the location;
• increase cooperation in the region.