Flash floods in Morocco's coastal Safi region have resulted in at least 37 fatalities, state-owned television reported. The floods occurred following torrential rain on Sunday, which caused cars and debris to be observed moving through the main port city of Safi.
Local authorities stated that dozens of individuals received hospital treatment for injuries. Furthermore, approximately 70 homes in the old city center were inundated. Reports indicated that access to and from the city was blocked on certain roads due to damage and debris. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Experts attribute the observed extreme weather fluctuations in Morocco, in part, to the climate crisis. The country has experienced seven consecutive years of drought, leading to the depletion of its reservoirs. The previous year was officially recorded as the hottest on record. The Moroccan weather service has forecast continued rainfall on Tuesday, along with snowfall across the Atlas mountains.