Death toll from flash floods in Morocco rises to at least 18

Moroccan authorities say the death toll from a flash flood in the southern part of the country has risen to at least 18, according to Reuters. The dead reportedly include foreigners from Canada, Spain and Peru. The flooding, which occurred over the weekend, also reportedly claimed five lives in neighboring Algeria

The regions affected in Morocco and Algeria, that are traditionally arid and drought-stricken, have experienced severe damage. 56 homes were reportedly destroyed and 110 roads were damaged in the storm. Critical infrastructure was also compromised. 

According to the AFP, Morocco’s Interior ministry spokesman Rachid Khalfi said the amount of rainfall recorded over two days is equivalent to what these regions usually receive in an entire year.

The Ouarzazate region, known for being a filming location for Hollywood movies, experienced 47mm of rainfall within three hours.

Morocco’s weather service said the area was hit “by an extremely unstable tropical air mass” which “led to the formation of unstable and violent clouds” that triggered the massive rainfall.  

On Monday, Khalfi assured that the government is actively working to restore communication and access to the affected areas, urging people to exercise caution.