Post by : Maya Rahman

Tragically, 37 individuals lost their lives due to unexpected flash floods in Morocco's Safi province, triggered by intense rainfall. Authorities reported that the deluge struck suddenly on Sunday, leading to water inundating streets and vulnerable areas. The floods wreaked havoc, transforming roads into torrents and effectively trapping residents within their homes and businesses.

At least 14 individuals required hospitalization, with two patients currently in critical condition. Although emergency responders acted swiftly, the power and rapidity of the floodwater complicated rescue efforts. Ongoing search and rescue initiatives are being conducted to locate any additional victims, while medical personnel attend to the injured.

Social media has revealed haunting footage of muddy torrents sweeping away vehicles, bins, and debris across various neighborhoods in Safi. Authorities indicated that over 70 homes and commercial establishments in the city’s historic district were impacted by just an hour of torrential rain. Families faced significant losses, including furniture, household items, and sentimental belongings.

In an official announcement, the governorate of Safi stated that security measures are being enforced to support affected communities. However, some residents voiced their dissatisfaction, questioning the absence of water-pumping trucks to alleviate the flooding sooner. Damage to infrastructure has disrupted travel, isolating several routes to and from the Atlantic port city.

Local reports emphasize that a vital roadway linking Safi to neighboring towns suffered severe damage from the floods. As a precaution, educational authorities chose to cancel classes in all Safi schools on Monday. By the evening of Sunday, water levels receded, leaving a trail of mud, impaired roads, and damaged property, prompting locals to begin their clean-up efforts.

Meteorological experts have cautioned that additional heavy rainfall may impact parts of Morocco in the upcoming days. The country is concurrently experiencing snowfall in the Atlas Mountains following a prolonged drought, while 2024 has been ranked as Morocco’s hottest year on record. The Safi floods occurred just after another catastrophe in Fes, where 19 individuals died when two buildings collapsed, amplifying concerns regarding extreme weather and infrastructure integrity.

#Global News