In brief
On Sunday, Morocco's Safi region experienced devastating flash flooding due to torrential rains, resulting in the loss of at least 37 lives. Response teams are engaged in rescue operations, with many residents expressing despair over their losses. Experts attribute such severe weather patterns in part to climate change, exacerbating Morocco's ongoing drought conditions.
Flash floods have killed at least 37 people in Morocco's coastal Safi region, according to state-owned television.
Cars and mounds of rubbish were seen sweeping through the main port city of Safi after torrential rain hit on Sunday.
Dozens of people have been receiving treatment in hospital for their injuries, say local authorities, and at least 70 homes have been inundated in the old city centre.
Local reports say access to and from the city is blocked on certain roads because of damage and debris.
Residents on Sunday described it as a dark day, with one telling the AFP news agency: I've lost all my clothes. Only my neighbour gave me some to cover myself. I have nothing left. I've lost everything. Another survivor said he wanted to see government trucks at the scene to pump out the water.
Moroccan authorities say search and rescue missions are still under way. Experts say the climate crisis is in part responsible for the extreme weather fluctuations seen in the North African state, which has suffered seven years of drought in a row, depleting its reservoirs. Last year was officially the hottest ever on record. The latest, sudden downpour is expected to continue on Tuesday along with snowfall across the Atlas mountains, according to Morocco's weather service.
