Moroccan authorities have reported the deaths of four people, with 14 still missing, following heavy flooding in southern Morocco. The floods, described as an “exceptional” climate phenomenon, were triggered by intense rainfall that began on Friday.
Floods Devastate Tata Region
The flooding primarily affected the Tata region, located 740 kilometers south of Rabat. Eight houses were washed away in the rural area of Tamanart. Local officials fear the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.
Unprecedented Weather Conditions
According to Lhoussaine Youabd, spokesman for Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology, the region was impacted by “an extremely unstable tropical air mass,” causing massive rainfall and thunderstorms. Ouarzazate experienced 47 millimeters of rain in just three hours, while Tagounite, near the Algerian border, saw 170 millimeters of rainfall.
Drought-Stricken Areas Hit
The heavy rains came after six years of severe drought in the region. In Ouarzazate, residents reported that such rainfall had not been seen in a decade. Streets in the city were flooded, and strong winds reached speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour.
Algeria Also Affected
In neighboring Algeria, similar flooding has caused one death and left another person missing. Civil defense teams in southern regions like Illizi and Bechar worked to rescue families trapped by floodwaters.
