The Atlas Region is located in the northern slopes of the high mountain area of Morocco, ranging from an altitude of 500 m to 4,000 m. Its picturesque scenery, fresh air and clean water attract a lot of visitors during summer time. The region is, however, prone to flash floods and debris flows due to its geomorphologic and environmental conditions. In August 1995, a thunderstorm hit the area causing sudden mudflows with rocks, which claimed hundreds of human lives.

In order to prevent this kind of disasters, a master plan for Flood Forecasting and Warning System (FFWS) in the Atlas Region was formulated. This targets 16 high-risk areas selected through a comprehensive examination of damage potential and past disasters. As a pilot project, a telemetry system was installed in the Ourika River Basin where the worst storm hit in 1995. A variety of technical transfer programs including evacuation drills were also implemented to build up the disaster prevention capacities of the region.