Morocco’s Safi Grieves After Devastating Floods Leave Dozens Dead. City, Morocco — The coastal city of Safi in Morocco is reeling from deadly flash floods that struck overnight, killing at least 37 people and leaving widespread destruction in one of its oldest neighborhoods. Authorities report that heavy rainfall inundated around 70 homes and businesses, swept away 10 vehicles, and sent at least 14 individuals to hospital.
The sudden surge of floodwaters caught residents off guard, triggering scenes of panic and grief. Local resident Hamza Elhaj spoke of the shock felt across the community as neighbors and lifelong friends were lost. “What do you want me to say?
My friends are dead, my neighbors are dead. We lost people we grew up with in the city. It shocks us deeply, I swear to God,” Elhaj.
Another resident, Belimouna Abdelmoula, described how entire livelihoods were wiped out in minutes, mentioning the loss of local shopkeepers.
The flooding has caused schools in Safi to remain closed for three days, while the government reported that the incident also caused damage in other parts of the country, including Tetouan and Tinghir. Safi, with a population of over 300,000, is a crucial hub for Morocco’s fishing and phosphate industries.
Experts attribute the severe weather event to the changing climate, which has made rainfall patterns more erratic.
This, in turn, compounds vulnerabilities in cities where drainage systems and building regulations are often inadequate. Regional officials have not yet commented on potential long-term relief or reconstruction efforts.
Further details are expected as the situation develops.
