At least 37 people died this Sunday (14) in the town of Safi, on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, due to flash floods caused by heavy rains, local authorities reported this Monday (15). This is the highest number of flood victims in the African country in more than a decade.
Mathias RaynalRFI correspondent in Casablanca, and AFP
The strong storm hit the region late Sunday afternoon, flooding the streets, houses and businesses of Safi, located 250 kilometers south of Casablanca. Images posted on social media show the flow of mud carrying cars and trash cans into the streets of the coastal town.
In addition to the 37 deaths, there are dozens of injured and 14 people remain hospitalized, including two in serious condition, according to the latest press release from the authorities. This disaster is already considered the worst disaster of its type in Morocco for at least 10 years.
Since 2014, when 47 people died in the south of the country, in the Sidi Ifni-Guelmim region, Morocco has not been confronted with such deadly floods. This number could be exceeded in Safi, because the situation remains very precarious for the homeless.
Searches continue to locate possible missing people, while authorities are mobilizing to offer support and assistance to affected populations.
“Everyone is shocked”
Dawn was difficult in the city of 300,000 inhabitants. By late Sunday night, the water level had already dropped, leaving behind a scene of devastation, with lots of mud and overturned cars. Civil Protection teams worked to remove the debris.
Many streets and roads around the city are blocked and schools will remain closed this Monday.
A resident interviewed by RFI explained that the Oued, the river that runs through Safi, has overflowed its banks. The water reached nearly three meters in height, reaching around 70 buildings and homes.
The residents of the Medina are still in shock from what they saw. Yassine reports that residents are shaken because “seeing people die is difficult.” He says this time “it was exceptional. The water rose unexpectedly and very quickly, between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. It was about two hours of rain and thunder,” he says, guaranteeing that he “had never seen that before.” To console himself, Yassine emphasizes that “the residents help each other. That’s good.”
When the water level dropped, residents were able to return home and collect some belongings. However, the weather service forecasts more rain on Tuesday (16) in much of the country. Storms and floods are relatively common in Morocco, despite seven consecutive years of severe drought in the region.
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