Morocco expands weather alerts to all local authorities

Alert bulletins have been rolled out to all of Morocco's 1,503 local authorities as part of efforts to strengthen preparedness for natural hazards, Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka told the House of Representatives on Monday.

Responding to an oral question on improving readiness for natural disasters, Baraka said the ministry has also expanded the country's meteorological observation network to 243 automated weather stations.

He added that public weather forecasts have been shortened from a seven-day to a three-day outlook to improve accuracy, while the early warning period has been extended from 24 to 36 hours. Municipal council presidents also receive daily weather forecasts via SMS.

Baraka further announced the launch of the vigilance.ma digital platform, which provides detailed weather alerts and risk maps. In coordination with the Ministry of the Interior, the government is also developing a system to send SMS warnings directly to residents in areas threatened by natural hazards.

The minister added that the government is working to establish a national meteorological agency and a specialized climate agency to strengthen Morocco's preparedness and improve the data needed to address climate-related risks.