At least 37 dead after flash floods hit Morocco's Safi

"Just one hour of heavy rain left houses and shops flooded in old city; more heavy rain predicted for Tuesday. At least 37 have been killed in flash floods triggered by torrential rains in Morocco's Atlantic coastal province of Safi, according to authorities. State-owned broadcaster SNRT News on Monday quoted local authorities as saying at least 14 people had received hospital treatment, including two in the intensive care unit, after the sudden bout of heavy rain on Sunday."

"Images on social media showed a torrent of muddy water sweeping cars and rubbish bins from the streets in the town of Safi, located some 300km (186 miles) south of the capital, Rabat. At least 70 homes and businesses in the historic old city were flooded after just one hour of heavy rain, according to the authorities. In a statement, the Safi governorate said search and rescue operations were ongoing and necessary measures had been taken to secure the affected areas and provide support"

"Resident Marouane Tamer, quoted by the AFP news agency, questioned why government trucks had not been dispatched to pump out the water. Damage to roads cut off traffic along several routes to and from the port city on the Atlantic coast. Casablanca-based newspaper Le Matin said provincial road 2300 linking Safi to Hrara, a town located 20.5km (12.7 miles) to the northeast, had been particularly affected. The newspaper said the provincial directorate of national education in Safi had suspended classes in all schools on Monday."

Torrential rains and sudden flash floods in Safi province killed at least 37 people and left at least 14 injured, including two in intensive care. One hour of heavy rain flooded about 70 homes and businesses in the historic old city and swept cars and rubbish bins through streets. Search and rescue teams continue operations while authorities have taken measures to secure affected areas and support residents. Roads were damaged and several routes to and from the port city were cut off, prompting school closures. Water levels receded by Sunday evening as residents salvaged belongings. More heavy rain is forecast nationwide.

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