At least 21 people have died and 32 others injured after sudden heavy rain triggered flash floods in the Moroccan coastal town of Safi on Sunday, authorities confirmed.
Images circulating on social media showed torrents of muddy water sweeping cars and rubbish bins through the streets of the historic port city, located around 300 kilometres (186 miles) south of the capital, Rabat, AFP reported.
Authorities said the floods affected at least 70 homes and businesses in Safi’s old city. Most of the injured have since been discharged from hospital, while teams continue to search for other possible casualties.
"It's a black day," resident Hamza Chdouani told AFP. Another resident, Marouane Tamer, questioned why government trucks had not yet been deployed to pump out the water.
The floods also damaged roads, cutting off traffic along several routes to and from the city on the Atlantic coast. By evening, water levels had receded, leaving residents to sift through mud-covered streets in an attempt to salvage their belongings, AFP reported.
Morocco has been grappling with severe drought for the seventh consecutive year. The General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) said 2024 was the country’s hottest year on record, with an average rainfall deficit of -24.7%. Severe weather and flooding are not uncommon, but climate change has intensified storms, as warmer seas and a hotter atmosphere increase moisture levels.
The weather service has warned of more heavy rain across the country on Tuesday, raising concerns about further flooding.
(With inputs from AFP)
