In brief
Recent flash floods in Morocco's Safi region have left at least 37 people dead and caused significant destruction, with dozens injured and many homes inundated. The floods, described by residents as catastrophic, have intensified discussions surrounding the climate crisis and its effects on North Africa. Local authorities are actively engaged in search and rescue operations as recovery efforts begin amidst ongoing adverse weather conditions.
Flash floods have killed at least 37 people in Morocco's coastal Safi region, according to state-owned television.
Cars and mounds of rubbish were seen sweeping through the main port city of Safi after torrential rain hit on Sunday.
Dozens of people have been receiving treatment in hospital for their injuries, say local authorities, and at least 70 homes have been inundated in the old city centre.
Local reports indicate that access to and from the city is blocked on certain roads due to damage and debris.
Residents on Sunday described it as a dark day, with one telling the AFP news agency, I've lost all my clothes. Only my neighbour gave me some to cover myself. I have nothing left. I've lost everything.
Another survivor expressed a desire to see government trucks at the scene to pump out the water.
Moroccan authorities are continuing to conduct search and rescue missions.
Experts attribute part of the extreme weather fluctuations to the climate crisis, noting that Morocco has endured seven consecutive years of drought, depleting its reservoirs. Last year was recorded as the hottest on record.
This latest, sudden downpour is expected to continue, with snowfall predicted across the Atlas mountains as per Morocco's weather service.
