Dozens of people have been killed in flash floods spanning parts of Morocco due to intense rainfall that caused sudden surges of water to sweep across towns, villages and mountain valleys, authorities reported. Officials called it one of the worst flooding events ever witnessed and it left communities devastated as infrastructure was severely damaged as emergency services engaged in large-scale rescue operations to respond.
According to Moroccan authorities, floods struck after heavy downpours overwhelmed normally dry riverbeds known as wadis and quickly transformed them into fast-moving torrents in minutes. Multiple regions were affected, especially rural and mountainous regions prone to sudden weather changes with limited drainage systems.
Emergency responders reported that many victims were caught off-guard as the water levels rose rapidly during the night, quickly submerging cars, homes, roads and roadways under its force and collapsing under floodwater pressures. Cars were swept away, homes submerged under waters while many families were trapped inside homes or were on rooftops or higher ground waiting to be rescued by emergency crews.
Local officials confirmed that at least dozens of people had died, with fears that this number may increase as rescue operations progress. Rescue teams supported by military and civil protection units have been mobilized to locate missing persons and aid survivors; helicopters, boats and heavy machinery are used to reach isolated areas cut off by collapsed roads or damaged bridges.
Hospitals in affected regions have been placed on high alert, treating injuries, hypothermia and shock patients. Temporary shelters have also been set up for families displaced from their homes while aid organizations distribute food, blankets and drinking water supplies to those in need. Unfortunately power and communication outages have complicated rescue and coordination efforts further.
Morocco’s government extended condolences and promised its support for those affected by the disaster, including their families. Officials announced damage assessments are currently taking place to assess losses to housing, agriculture and public infrastructure; initial reports show extensive damages to farmland, livestock and irrigation systems with serious economic ramifications for rural communities.
Meteorological authorities cautioned that the heavy rainfall was the result of an unusual weather system that brought intense storms across North Africa. Climate experts report such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe with climate change, increasing risk of flash floods in regions not adequately prepared to manage them.
Residents living in affected areas described scenes of panic and destruction. “The water came so fast,” stated one survivor, “that we barely had time to get out before everything was swept away within minutes.” Other residents described hearing loud roaring sounds coming from the streets and fields as the floodwaters swept past.
Authorities have advised individuals to avoid flooding areas and comply with official safety guidance as weather conditions remain unstable in certain regions. Schools have been closed in some districts, with travel being restricted until safety inspections have taken place on major roads.
As Morocco embarks upon its difficult process of recovery, flash floods have highlighted once again how vulnerable communities are to extreme weather events. While rescue efforts continue, attention now turns towards rebuilding and strengthening disaster preparation plans to reduce human cost associated with future floods.