Camilla Jessen
One hour of rain triggers deadly flooding in Safi
Morocco has been struck by its most severe flooding in two decades, with at least 37 people killed after sudden torrential rain swept through the coastal city of Safi.
Authorities say the extreme weather triggered flash floods that overwhelmed homes, shops and streets in a matter of minutes.
Torrents sweep through Safi
Local officials reported that “very strong storms” produced “exceptional torrential rains” within just one hour on Sunday.
The province of Safi, about 300 km south of Rabat, suffered the heaviest impact.
At least 21 people died in the city itself, according to AFP’s latest update. Thirty-two others were taken to hospital, where “most” were later discharged after treatment.
Around 70 homes and shops in the old Medina were flooded, 10 vehicles were swept away, and key roads were damaged, causing major transport disruption.
Images show scale of destruction
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Videos circulating on social media show muddy water rushing through narrow streets, lifting cars as if they were weightless.
Civil Protection teams used boats to rescue stranded residents. A local mausoleum was seen half submerged.
Search efforts continue for anyone still missing, while authorities work to secure damaged areas and support those affected.
Rain returns after years of drought
The floods come after seven years of drought in Morocco, according to France24. The country’s meteorological agency, DGM, had already warned of heavy rain and storms over the weekend, as well as snowfall above 1,700 metres.
On Sunday evening, the agency issued a further alert, forecasting more heavy rain for Tuesday across much of the country.
Sources: AFP; France24; X
