Catastrophic Floods in North Africa: 24 Dead, Dozens Missing in Morocco and Algeria
September 9, 2024Over the weekend, torrential rains and flooding in southern Morocco have resulted in the deaths of eleven people, with nine others reported missing.
The severe weather has also affected Algeria, where one death has been confirmed in Illizi and two individuals are missing due to flooding.
This unusual weather event has caused significant flooding across North Africa, leading to approximately two dozen fatalities in both Morocco and Algeria.
The flooding crisis began on Friday in the province of Tata, located about 740 kilometers south of Rabat, where heavy rainfall exceeded historic averages.
In just two days, some areas experienced rainfall that surpassed their total annual average, a stark contrast to the prolonged drought the region has faced since 2014.
Morocco is currently grappling with severe water stress, as reservoir levels have dropped below 28% due to six consecutive years of drought.
Rachid El Khalfi, spokesperson for Morocco's Interior Ministry, stated that efforts are underway to restore communication and access in the affected areas while urging residents to exercise caution.
Authorities have advised residents and visitors to adhere to safety guidelines amid the unstable weather conditions.
The floods have caused extensive damage, disrupting roads and communication lines, with local officials describing the situation as catastrophic.
Witnesses reported that the force of the flooding was so intense that bodies were carried over 30 kilometers by the rushing waters.
In the rural area of Tamanart, eight houses were washed away in valleys, highlighting the devastating impact of the flooding.
Social media footage has shown flooded streets in Ouarzazate and other regions, illustrating the widespread effects of the storms even in desert areas.
Summary based on 39 sources
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Sources
Yahoo News • Sep 9, 2024
Flooding kills more than a dozen people in Morocco and AlgeriaAP News • Sep 10, 2024
Flooding kills more than 20 people in Morocco and AlgeriaABC News • Sep 9, 2024
Flooding kills more than a dozen people in Morocco and AlgeriaSouth China Morning Post • Sep 8, 2024
11 dead, 9 missing in ‘exceptional’ Morocco flooding