Devastating Flash Floods Claim 37 Lives in Moroccan City of Asfiya

Flash floods killed 37 people in the Moroccan coastal city of Safi on Sunday after heavy rains overwhelmed the Atlantic port town. The death toll marks the worst weather-related disaster in Morocco in a decade, with torrential waters flooding homes and businesses across the city.

Local authorities said Safi, located about 300 kilometers south of the capital Rabat, was hit by severe thunderstorms that created exceptional flood surges within just one hour. The sudden deluge caught residents off guard as muddy waters swept through streets, carrying away cars and debris.

Another 32 people were injured and taken to the city's hospital, though most were released after receiving treatment. Social media footage showed the scale of destruction, with rushing brown water coursing through Safi's streets and civil defense boats responding to rescue calls from trapped residents. One video even showed a partially submerged shrine.

The flooding damaged at least 70 homes and shops in Safi's old quarter. Ten cars were swept away, and road damage created traffic jams throughout the city. Search and rescue teams are still looking for potential victims while authorities work to secure affected areas and provide aid to displaced residents.

Climate change is making these extreme weather events more likely in Morocco. The country's autumn season typically brings cooler temperatures, but global warming is disrupting this pattern. High levels of water vapor left over from summer are now combining with temperature drops to create perfect conditions for flash flooding, according to weather experts.

Morocco's meteorological agency had warned of the severe weather over the weekend, predicting heavy rains and thunderstorms across several regions. The agency also forecast snow above 1,700 meters. More heavy rains and local thunderstorms are expected across the country on Tuesday.

The disaster highlights Morocco's vulnerability to extreme weather as climate patterns shift across North Africa. Flash floods can be particularly deadly in older urban areas where drainage systems weren't designed for such intense rainfall. Safi's historic medina, with its narrow streets and older infrastructure, was especially hard hit by Sunday's flooding.