Locust swarms invade south, east of Morocco

Locusts swarms have invaded in the latest week the southern city of Laayoune and the eastern province of Jerada causing serious damages in crops and green spaces.

The first swarms swept into Laayoune on Friday despite efforts to fight these insects that can consume vast swathes of crops.

The swarms that invaded the region of Jerada came through eastern borders with Algeria.

A single swarms can cover up to 5.000 to 30.000 hectares, said president of the anti-locusts regional center in Laayoune, Ekka Elbouki. He said 97pc of the targeted area has been treated so far.

Nearly 60.000 hectares have been treated during the 4 latest days in the surroundings of Laayoune, he explained, noting that locusts caused major damages in the green space of the city of Laayoune and its surrounding, as well as in the irrigated area of Foum El-Ouad.

Locusts had previously swept the region of Figuig, near Jerada, last October.

Official sources said the situation is currently under control.