The death toll from the exceptional thunderstorms that struck the province of Safi on Sunday, December 14, causing severe flash floods, has tragically risen to 37 people, according to local authorities on Monday.
The authorities also reported that fourteen people were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the Mohammed V Hospital Center in Safi, with two patients in intensive care. The previous toll, announced Sunday evening, stood at 21 dead and 37 injured.
Public authorities, including Civil Protection services and security forces, are continuing their search and rescue operations and providing support and assistance to the affected population.
Local authorities in Safi emphasized the need for increased vigilance, urging residents to adopt the highest precautionary measures and strictly adhere to safety guidelines in the face of the severe weather currently impacting the Kingdom.
The province of Safi, located approximately 300 km south of Rabat, was hit by “very heavy thunderstorms” that caused “exceptional flash floods” within a single hour. The authorities confirmed significant material damage, reporting: 70 homes and businesses in the Safi medina were flooded. Ten vehicles were swept away. A section of road was damaged, leading to traffic disruptions across several city roads.
The severe weather followed an announcement on Saturday by the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) forecasting heavy rain, sometimes stormy conditions, and snowfall at altitudes above 1,700 meters across several provinces over the weekend.
AK/ac/fss/abj/APA