37 People Killed In Flash Floods Swamps Coastal Region Of Morocco

At least 37 people were killed in flash floods that struck Morocco’s coastal Safi region.

BBC quoted state-owned television stating that cars and mounds of rubbish were seen sweeping through the main port city of Safi after torrential rain hit on Sunday.

Local authorities said dozens of people have been receiving treatment in hospital for their injuries and 70 houses have been flooded with water.

The local reports stated that access to and from the city remained blocked on certain roads because of damage and debris.

“I have lost all my clothes. Only my neighbour gave me some to cover myself. I have nothing left. I’ve lost everything,” AFP quoted one of the residents saying.

A 55-year-old shopkeeper Abdelkader Mezraoui said the retail economy had

been devastated.

“Jewelry store owners have lost all their stock … and the same goes for clothing store owners,” he said, calling for official compensation to save businesses.

At least 70 homes and businesses in the historic town center were flooded.

Similar flash floods killed hundreds in Morocco in 1995 and scores in 2002.

According to AFP, Morocco is struggling with a severe drought for the seventh consecutive year, and last year was the North African kingdom’s hottest on record.