Rabat, December 17, 2025 – Morocco has initiated a nationwide emergency relief operation to assist families affected by severe winter storms, including deadly floods and plummeting temperatures. Authorities say the program will reach around 73,000 households across 28 provinces, offering urgent support amid freezing conditions, heavy rainfall, and snowstorms.

Devastating Flash Floods in Safi

The relief effort follows a catastrophic flash flood in the coastal city of Safi, where at least 37 people were killed after sudden torrential rains overwhelmed the city on Sunday. The deluge swept through streets, destroyed vehicles, and trapped residents inside homes and shops. Around 70 homes and businesses were damaged in just one hour of rainfall. Fourteen people required hospital treatment, with two remaining in intensive care, officials reported.

In the Bab Chabaa district, water levels surged to approximately four meters (13 feet), prompting dramatic rescues. A 67-year-old local rights activist recounted how shopkeepers became trapped after locking their stores as floodwaters rapidly rose, leaving some unable to escape. Residents described losing everything, fleeing with only the clothes they were wearing, highlighting the human toll of the disaster.

Emergency Response Measures

Authorities are distributing food, blankets, and essential supplies to affected communities. Schools in Safi have been closed for at least three days due to debris-blocked roads and damaged infrastructure. A government investigation is underway to determine whether infrastructure failures, such as inadequate drainage, contributed to the scale of the flooding. Meteorologists noted that while rainfall levels were typical for the region, extreme urban vulnerability may have amplified the disaster.

Weather authorities have issued a red alert for snowfall of up to 80 cm (31 in) in the High Atlas mountains and an orange alert for heavy rain in central and northern Morocco. In mountain areas southeast of the capital, Rabat, snow depths have reached 50 cm (20 in), with overnight temperatures dipping below freezing.

Climate Context and Ongoing Risks

Experts warn that Morocco’s extreme weather events are exacerbated by climate change. The country has endured seven consecutive years of drought, leaving reservoirs depleted and vegetation vulnerable. Last year was Morocco’s hottest on record, and scientists say warming temperatures are driving more intense and unpredictable storms across North Africa.

The Safi flood comes shortly after a tragic collapse of two buildings in Fes, killing 22 people, which has raised urgent questions about urban infrastructure and building safety in Morocco’s older districts.

Government and International Support

The Moroccan government has mobilized national emergency services and is coordinating with local authorities to expedite relief efforts. International humanitarian agencies are also on alert to provide assistance if the situation worsens.

Officials emphasized the need for improved urban planning, enhanced drainage systems, and disaster preparedness to prevent such tragedies in the future. Citizens are urged to follow safety guidelines and weather alerts as emergency response teams continue their operations.