At least 37 people have lost their lives after severe flash floods struck the Moroccan coastal province of Safi, following an intense burst of torrential rain that overwhelmed the historic city in just one hour, according to local authorities.
The deadly flooding occurred on Sunday, when unusually heavy rainfall caused streets to turn into fast-moving rivers, sweeping away vehicles, debris, and household belongings. Authorities said the sudden deluge left large parts of the old city of Safi submerged, damaging homes, shops, and vital infrastructure.
State-owned broadcaster SNRT News reported on Monday that at least 14 people were hospitalised, including two in intensive care, as emergency services raced to assist victims of the disaster.
Old City Submerged After One Hour of Torrential Rain
Safi, located approximately 300 kilometres south of Rabat along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, was among the hardest-hit areas. According to officials, more than 70 houses and businesses in the city’s historic district were flooded after just one hour of relentless rainfall.
Videos circulating on social media showed mud-filled floodwaters surging through narrow streets, carrying cars, rubbish bins, and debris, highlighting the speed and force of the flooding.
Residents described scenes of chaos as water levels rose rapidly, giving people little time to escape or protect their property.
Rescue Operations Ongoing as Authorities Assess Damage
In a statement, the Safi governorate confirmed that search and rescue operations remain ongoing, with emergency teams continuing to check flooded neighbourhoods for potential additional victims.
Authorities said measures had been taken to:
- Secure affected areas
- Assist displaced residents
- Restore damaged infrastructure
- Provide emergency medical care
Despite these efforts, some residents expressed frustration over the response. One local resident, Marouane Tamer, questioned why pumping trucks were not deployed sooner to remove the floodwater from heavily affected areas.
Roads Cut Off, Schools Closed After Flooding
The floods caused significant damage to road networks, cutting off traffic on several key routes to and from Safi, including roads leading to the city’s important Atlantic port.
Local newspaper Le Matin reported that provincial road 2300, which links Safi to the nearby town of Hrara, was particularly badly affected.
In response to safety concerns, the provincial directorate of national education announced the closure of all schools in Safi on Monday, as authorities assessed structural damage and cleared debris.
By Sunday evening, water levels had begun to recede, leaving behind a thick layer of mud and destruction as residents searched through wreckage to recover personal belongings.
More Heavy Rain Forecast as Morocco Faces Extreme Weather
As recovery efforts continue, Morocco’s weather service has warned that more heavy rain is expected on Tuesday, raising fears of further flooding in already vulnerable areas.
The country is currently experiencing intense rainfall and snowfall in the Atlas Mountains, following seven consecutive years of drought that severely depleted major water reservoirs.
According to Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology, 2024 was the hottest year on record, underscoring the growing impact of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
Floods Add to Series of Recent Disasters in Morocco
Sunday’s deadly flooding comes just days after another tragedy, when 19 people were killed and 16 injured following the collapse of two buildings in the historic city of Fes.
Morocco has suffered several deadly flood incidents in recent years:
- 2021: 24 people died in flooding at an illegal underground textile workshop in Tangier
- 2014–2015: Widespread flooding caused major damage across multiple regions
These repeated disasters have renewed concerns over urban infrastructure, drainage systems, and preparedness for extreme weather events.
Growing Concerns Over Climate Resilience
Experts and residents alike are increasingly calling for improved flood management, early warning systems, and stronger climate adaptation measures, as extreme weather events become more frequent across North Africa.
As Safi mourns its dead, authorities continue emergency operations while residents face the long process of rebuilding lives and livelihoods in the aftermath of one of the city’s deadliest natural disasters in recent years.
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