Written By | International News Reporter
Experts say the climate crisis is in part responsible for the extreme weather fluctuations. [File: BBC]
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Safi
At least 37 people have died following severe flash floods that struck Morocco’s coastal Safi region, according to the state broadcaster. Torrential rainfall on Sunday triggered sudden flooding that swept through the port city of Safi, carrying vehicles and large piles of debris through streets and residential areas.
Local authorities said dozens of residents were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment, while at least 70 houses in the historic city centre were submerged by floodwaters.
Several roads leading into and out of the city have been rendered impassable due to extensive damage and accumulated debris, according to local reports.
Residents described the disaster as devastating. One survivor told AFP that the floods destroyed all his belongings, leaving him dependent on a neighbour for clothing. “I have nothing left. Everything is gone,” he said.
Another affected resident called on the government to deploy emergency trucks to pump water out of flooded neighbourhoods.
Moroccan officials said search-and-rescue operations are ongoing as emergency teams continue to assess the damage and locate any remaining victims.
Climate experts have linked the increasing frequency and severity of such extreme weather events to the effects of climate change. Morocco has endured seven consecutive years of drought, significantly reducing water levels in its reservoirs, while last year was recorded as the hottest on record.
The national weather service warned that heavy rainfall is expected to persist into Tuesday, accompanied by snowfall in parts of the Atlas Mountains.
Torch Media Africa
