Flash floods in Morocco's coastal Safi region have resulted in the deaths of at least 37 individuals, according to reports from state-owned television. The events followed torrential rainfall on Sunday.
Impact and Damage
Vehicles and debris were observed being carried through the main port city of Safi. Local authorities have reported that dozens of people are receiving treatment for injuries in hospitals. At least 70 homes in the old city center have been inundated. Access to and from Safi has been disrupted on several roads due to damage and accumulated debris, according to local reports.
Response and Context
Moroccan authorities have stated that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Experts have indicated that the climate crisis is a contributing factor to the extreme weather fluctuations observed in Morocco. The North African nation has experienced seven consecutive years of drought, leading to depleted reservoirs. The previous year was recorded as the hottest on record.
Morocco's weather service has issued warnings that the current heavy rainfall is projected to persist through Tuesday, with snowfall anticipated across the Atlas mountains.