Flash Floods Kill 37 in Morocco’s Safi After Heavy Rain

At least 37 people have died after sudden flash floods hit the Atlantic coastal province of Safi in Morocco following very heavy rainfall. Local authorities said the rain fell intensely within a short time on Sunday, causing water to rush through streets and low-lying areas. The floods caused widespread damage and panic among residents, turning roads into streams and trapping people inside their homes and shops.

At least 14 people were taken to hospital after the floods, including two who remain in intensive care. Emergency services responded quickly, but the speed and strength of the water made rescue work difficult. Authorities said search and rescue operations are still ongoing to find any other possible victims, while medical teams continue to treat the injured.

Videos and images shared on social media showed muddy water sweeping away cars, rubbish bins, and debris across several neighborhoods in Safi. Officials said at least 70 homes and businesses in the city’s historic old area were flooded after just one hour of heavy rain. Many families lost furniture, appliances, and personal belongings as water filled houses rapidly.

In a statement, the Safi governorate said security measures had been put in place to protect affected areas and support residents. However, some locals expressed frustration, questioning why water-pumping trucks were not sent earlier to remove floodwater. Damage to roads also disrupted traffic, cutting off several routes leading to and from the port city on the Atlantic coast.

Local media reported that a key provincial road linking Safi with nearby towns was badly damaged due to flooding. As a safety measure, education authorities suspended classes in all schools in Safi on Monday. By Sunday evening, water levels had dropped, leaving behind thick mud, damaged streets, and destroyed property, as residents began cleaning up and salvaging what they could.

Weather officials have warned that more heavy rain may hit parts of Morocco in the coming days. The country is also experiencing snowfall in the Atlas Mountains after years of drought, while 2024 has been recorded as Morocco’s hottest year. The Safi floods came shortly after another tragedy in the city of Fes, where 19 people were killed when two buildings collapsed, highlighting growing concerns over extreme weather and infrastructure safety.