Flash floods in Morocco’s Safi leaves 37 dead

At least 37 people have died after intense rainfall triggered severe flash floods in Morocco’s Atlantic coastal province of Safi, authorities said on Monday.

State broadcaster SNRT News reported that the flooding followed just one hour of torrential rain on Sunday, overwhelming drainage systems and inundating large parts of the historic old city. At least 70 homes and businesses were flooded, while 14 people were hospitalised, including two in intensive care.

Videos circulating on social media showed fast-moving, mud-filled floodwaters sweeping through streets, carrying vehicles and debris. Safi lies about 300 kilometres south of the capital, Rabat.

The Safi governorate said search and rescue operations were continuing and that emergency measures had been taken to secure affected areas and assist residents. Some residents, however, expressed concern over the response time. A local resident, quoted by AFP, questioned why pumping equipment had not been deployed sooner.

Flood damage also disrupted transport links, cutting off several roads to and from the port city. Provincial road 2300, which connects Safi with the nearby town of Hrara, was among the worst affected. Authorities also suspended school classes across the province on Monday.

By Sunday night, floodwaters had begun to recede, leaving behind widespread mud and debris as residents attempted to salvage belongings.

Morocco’s weather service has forecast further heavy rainfall on Tuesday, raising fears of additional flooding. The country has recently experienced extreme weather following seven years of drought, and meteorological authorities have said 2024 was the hottest year on record.

The disaster comes less than a week after another deadly incident in Morocco, when 19 people were killed in the collapse of two buildings in the historic city of Fes.

Source: Al Jazeera