Event in Safi
In the Moroccan city of Safi on December 14 a sudden heavy rain caused a large-scale flood. According to local authorities, at least 37 people were killed as a result of the severe weather, and another 32 residents were injured.
So much precipitation fell in one hour that water flooded about 70 private homes and commercial premises in the old part of the city. Streams washed away cars and street containers, and part of the road infrastructure was also damaged.
Aftermath and rescue operations
The injured were taken to hospitals; most patients have already been discharged. By evening the water level had receded, but rescue services continue to search the neighborhoods for possible additional victims.
Videos and photographs have appeared online showing the evacuation of people and the work of rescuers in the flooded quarters.
Weather conditions and preliminary data
The floods occurred after a seven-year period of severe dry climate, during which several large reservoirs in the country dried up. The main meteorological agency noted that 2024 was the warmest year in Morocco's history, with an average precipitation deficit of 24.7%.
The country's meteorological service warns of the likelihood of new heavy downpours on Tuesday, which could complicate recovery efforts and the work of emergency services.
- In November heavy rains and floods hit seven Malaysian states; more than 11,000 people were affected by the flooding.
- As a result of the autumn floods in Southeast Asian countries, the total number of deaths exceeded three hundred people.
