Flash Floods Kill 37 in Morocco's Safi Province

At least 37 people were killed and 14 others hospitalized after torrential, short duration rainfall triggered flash floods in Morocco's Atlantic coastal province of Safi, officials said.

“Just one hour of heavy rain left houses and shops flooded in old city; more heavy rain predicted for Tuesday”

Al Jazeera

Authorities said the sudden storm, described by several outlets as roughly an hour of heavy downpour, inundated the historic old town, swept cars and debris through streets, and submerged about 70 homes and businesses.

Al Jazeera

Two of the hospitalized were reported in intensive care.

State and local authorities said search-and-rescue operations were underway as waters receded and residents began salvaging mud-soaked belongings.

Rescue teams used boats and other emergency measures to evacuate people and retrieve those swept into streets.

Videos circulated showing submerged vehicles and rescuers pulling people to safety near historic gates.

albawaba

Roads, including provincial route 2300 toward Hrara, were cut off in places.

Schools across the province were suspended or closed as a precaution.

By Sunday evening, waters in many areas had largely receded, leaving mud, debris and damaged property.

Several outlets linked the damage and heightened flash-flood risk to an extended seven-year drought that left reservoirs depleted.

Other outlets and some observers invoked climate-related shifts in extreme weather.

Multiple sources recalled past deadly floods in Morocco as part of a pattern of recurring extreme events.

Authorities have faced scrutiny after Morocco’s Public Prosecutor in Safi opened a judicial investigation into the circumstances of the floods.

Residents questioned whether warnings and infrastructure were adequate.

Barlaman Today

Media reported calls for compensation and for heightened vigilance as forecasts warned of more heavy rain in coming days.

Hospitals treated dozens, and two people were listed in intensive care.