Safi Flash Floods: Morocco Coastal Town Devastated by Rain
- At least 21 people were killed and 32 injured in flash floods triggered by intense rainfall on Sunday, December 10, 2023, in Morocco's Atlantic coastal province of Safi,...
- The rapid onset of the flooding, fueled by just one hour of heavy rain, overwhelmed the old town of Safi, inundating homes and businesses and sweeping away vehicles.
- Most of the injured have been discharged from hospitals, authorities reported.
devastating Floods Claim Lives in Morocco’s Safi Province
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Flash Floods Cause Widespread Damage
At least 21 people were killed and 32 injured in flash floods triggered by intense rainfall on Sunday, December 10, 2023, in Morocco’s Atlantic coastal province of Safi, located approximately 205 miles (330 kilometers) south of Rabat, according to Moroccan authorities.
The rapid onset of the flooding, fueled by just one hour of heavy rain, overwhelmed the old town of Safi, inundating homes and businesses and sweeping away vehicles. Roads within Safi and surrounding areas were rendered impassable, hindering rescue operations.
rescue Efforts and Ongoing Concerns
Most of the injured have been discharged from hospitals, authorities reported. However, search efforts continue to locate any potential additional casualties. The Moroccan meteorological service has forecast further heavy rainfall across the country, begining Tuesday, December 12, 2023, raising concerns about continued disruption and potential for further incidents.
The damage to infrastructure has significantly impacted transportation,with several roads in the region closed due to flood damage.
From Drought to Deluge
These extreme weather events follow a seven-year period of severe drought in Morocco, which led to depleted reservoir levels. The sudden shift to heavy rainfall and snowfall in the Atlas Mountains highlights the increasing vulnerability of the region to climate variability and the potential for rapid,impactful changes in water availability.