Flood death toll in Morocco’s Safi province climbs to 37

• The flood death toll in Safi province rises to 37 after exceptionally intense rainfall.
• One hour of heavy rain causes widespread destruction, dozens injured, rescue efforts ongoing.
  
  

Moroccan authorities confirmed that the death toll from devastating floods in the coastal province of Safi has risen to 37, following what officials described as exceptional rainfall that overwhelmed the area in a very short period of time.

The floods were triggered by intense downpours that lasted for nearly one hour, unleashing torrents of water that swept through Safi city and surrounding districts, causing extensive human and material losses, according to official statements.

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One hour of rain, widespread destruction

Moroccan authorities said the unusually heavy rainfall led to flash floods that inundated residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. At least 70 homes and shops were flooded, leaving families displaced and causing significant damage to personal property and livelihoods.

The floods also swept away no fewer than ten vehicles, while several main and secondary roads were cut off due to rising water levels, mudslides, and debris. Local infrastructure sustained damage, complicating access for emergency and rescue teams in the immediate aftermath.

Residents described scenes of sudden chaos as water rushed through streets, catching many people off guard due to the rapid onset of the flooding.

Injuries and medical response

Local authorities said 32 people were injured as a result of the floods. Most of the injured were treated and discharged after receiving necessary medical care.

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However, officials confirmed that several cases remain under medical observation, with health services placed on alert to ensure continued treatment and psychological support for those affected.

Hospitals in Safi and nearby areas were mobilized to handle the influx of casualties, while civil protection units coordinated evacuations from heavily flooded zones.

Rescue operations continue

Search and rescue teams, including civil protection, security forces, and local volunteers, continue to operate in the affected areas. Their efforts focus on searching for possible missing persons, assisting stranded residents, and securing dangerous sites.

At the same time, specialized committees have begun assessing the scale of material and human losses, including damage to housing, businesses, roads, and public facilities.

Authorities said emergency measures remain in place as weather conditions are monitored closely, amid warnings of potential further instability.

Calls for preparedness

The deadly floods have renewed public debate in Morocco over infrastructure readiness, early warning systems, and urban planning in flood-prone areas, particularly as extreme weather events become more frequent.

Officials stressed that lessons will be drawn from the Safi disaster as part of broader efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and response mechanisms nationwide.