A sudden flash flood struck Safi, Morocco, killing at least 37 people and injuring others as search-and-rescue teams continue operations. Fourteen survivors are being treated at Mohammed V hospital, two in intensive care, and at least 70 homes and businesses were flooded. Schools are closed for several days as Civil Protection units and residents clear mud and debris. Officials and shopkeepers are calling for compensation amid wider concerns about drought and climate-driven extreme weather.
Deadly Flash Floods Ravage Moroccan Coastal Town of Safi — At Least 37 Dead
Residents were left wading through the town centre of Safi, a Moroccan coastal town, after a flash flood destroyed 70 homes and businesses and left at least 37 dead (-)(-/AFP/AFP)
A sudden flash flood tore through the historic Moroccan coastal town of Safi on Sunday, killing at least 37 people, local officials said Monday as search-and-rescue teams continued operations.
Immediate Impact
A muddy torrent swept cars and trash bins from streets and inundated at least 70 homes and businesses in Safi's historic centre. Officials said 14 survivors are being treated at Mohammed V hospital, two of them in intensive care. Schools have been closed for at least three days while emergency crews and local residents work to clear mud and debris.
"I've lost all my clothes. Only my neighbour gave me some to cover myself. I have nothing left. I've lost everything," a resident told AFP, asking not to be named.
Rescue Efforts and Local Response
Civil Protection units, local authorities and volunteers have been clearing roads and searching damaged buildings. Rescuer Azzedine Kattane warned of the strong psychological impact of the tragedy given the number of victims. Shopkeeper Abdelkader Mezraoui said the retail sector in the town centre had been devastated, with jewelry and clothing stores losing most of their stock and calling for official compensation.
Broader Context
Morocco is now in its seventh consecutive year of severe drought, and authorities reported that last year was the kingdom's hottest on record. Climate scientists say a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture and warmer seas can intensify storms, increasing the risk of extreme rainfall and flash floods. The country has experienced deadly flash floods before, with hundreds killed in 1995 and dozens in 2002.
The scale of damage in Safi underscores the growing challenge of protecting vulnerable communities from sudden extreme weather. Authorities are continuing search-and-rescue operations and assessing the wider needs for humanitarian aid and economic support for affected households and businesses.
