At least 37 people have been killed after powerful flash floods swept through Morocco’s coastal Safi region following torrential rainfall, according to the country’s state-owned television.
Scenes of destruction unfolded in the port city of Safi on Sunday as fast-moving floodwaters carried away cars and piles of rubbish through major streets. Local authorities say dozens of injured residents are currently receiving medical treatment, while at least 70 homes in the old city centre have been flooded.
Several roads leading into and out of the city have been damaged or blocked by debris, cutting off access in some areas, local media report.
Residents described the situation as devastating. One survivor told AFP that the floods destroyed everything he owned, leaving him with nothing but clothes donated by a neighbour. Another resident appealed for urgent government intervention, calling for water-pumping trucks to be deployed immediately.
Moroccan authorities say search and rescue operations are still ongoing as emergency teams work through affected neighbourhoods.
Climate experts say the disaster reflects the growing impact of the climate crisis on Morocco, which has experienced extreme weather swings in recent years. The country has endured seven consecutive years of drought that severely drained water reservoirs, while last year was officially recorded as the hottest on record.
Morocco’s weather service has warned that heavy rainfall is expected to continue on Tuesday, alongside snowfall in the Atlas Mountains, raising concerns about further flooding and disruption.