In recent weeks, the coastal town of Safi, Morocco, has faced devastating flash floods that have claimed the lives of at least 37 people, marking a tragic event in a region already grappling with the effects of prolonged drought. While severe weather is not uncommon in drought-stricken Morocco, the exceptional intensity of these floods highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address climate resilience in vulnerable communities. As recovery efforts continue, the focus on community support and infrastructural improvement will play a crucial role in safeguarding the people of Safi against future adversities.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the Moroccan town of Safi following severe flash floods that tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 37 individuals. Drought-affected Morocco has faced various weather challenges, but the flooding on Sunday marks the deadliest incident of its kind in a decade. A swift torrent of muddy water swept through the streets, uprooting cars and debris and highlighting the town’s susceptibility to weather extremes, particularly given its location approximately 300 kilometers (190 miles) south of the capital, Rabat.
The General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM), Morocco’s official weather forecasting agency, has issued alerts indicating that additional thunderstorms are expected in several regions, including Safi, over the coming days. Local health facilities continue to treat survivors, with two individuals remaining in intensive care at the Mohammed V Hospital, according to local authorities. Schools in the area have been closed as streets remain obstructed with mud and rubble.
Safi, known for its rich history in arts and crafts—particularly its terracotta pottery—has seen its vibrant streets littered with destroyed pottery and cuisine items, including traditional tajines. In light of the extensive damage caused by the flooding, the Moroccan prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation to determine accountability for the disaster. During a parliamentary address, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch reported that the area received 37 millimeters (1.5 inches) of rainfall in a brief period, particularly impacting the historic Bab Chabaa district, which is traversed by a river and where many merchants and workers lost their lives.
The aftermath reveals a landscape marked by mud, overturned vehicles, and a concerted effort from Civil Protection units and local residents to clear debris and assist those affected. These floods come during Morocco’s seventh consecutive year of severe drought, with last year recorded as the hottest throughout the kingdom’s history. The intensification of storms can be attributed to climate change, as elevated temperatures allow the atmosphere to retain more moisture, contributing to more extreme weather patterns. The situation serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for comprehensive climate adaptation measures to protect communities like Safi.
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