At least 37 people were killed after flash floods triggered by torrential rainfall swept through Morocco’s Atlantic coastal province of Safi, local media reported Monday.
State-run 2M television, citing local authorities, said the floods struck on Sunday after intense rainfall inundated homes and shops, particularly in Safi’s old town. Fourteen people were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Officials said that just one hour of heavy rain was enough to flood large parts of the city, wash away vehicles and cut off several roads in surrounding areas, hampering rescue operations.
Emergency services continued search and relief efforts as authorities assessed the extent of the damage.
Morocco has recently experienced heavy rainfall and snowfall in the Atlas Mountains following seven consecutive years of drought, which significantly depleted major water reservoirs across the country.