More than 20 people killed in flooding in Morocco and Algeria
Rescue efforts are currently ongoing in typically arid desert regions following heavy rainfall that inundated some areas with more than a year’s worth of rain.
Over 20 people have lost their lives due to heavy rainfall in the mountains and deserts of the Maghreb region in Northwestern Africa over the weekend.
Morocco and Algeria have reported nearly two dozen fatalities, destruction of homes, and damage to critical infrastructure.
Social media videos depicted saturated areas in the Sahara and flooded streets in Ouarzazate, Morocco.
Moroccan officials noted that the two days of storms exceeded historical averages, with some regions receiving more rainfall than the annual average for the entire year over the weekend.
The affected regions had previously experienced a deadly earthquake a year ago, resulting in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives and displacement of thousands more.
Meteorologists had warned of an uncommon deluge hitting the Sahara Desert in North Africa, where many areas typically receive less than an inch of rain annually.
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Rabat confirmed 18 casualties in rural areas with poor infrastructure, where 56 homes collapsed.
Nine individuals are missing, and there is damage to drinking water facilities, electricity infrastructure, and major roads.
Among the deceased, including nationals from Spain, Canada, and Peru, was a popular tourist spot in the region.
Moroccan Interior Ministry spokesperson Rachid El Khalfi emphasized the government’s efforts to restore communication and access to flooded regions during this “exceptional situation” while advising caution.
Following six years of drought, Morocco faces a water crisis with dam levels as low as 28% capacity as of August.
Cars drive through a road that was damaged by floods caused by heavy rainfall in Tazarine, Zagora, southern Morocco, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 AP Photo
In Algeria, five fatalities were reported in the desert provinces, with Interior Minister Brahim Merad labeling the situation as “catastrophic” on state television.
The government dispatched thousands of civil protection and military personnel to aid in emergency response and rescue missions for families trapped in their homes.
Bridges and trains were also impacted by the heavy precipitation.
During a presidential election weekend in Algeria, incumbent President Abdulmadjid Tebboune secured around 95% of the vote, but opposition candidates criticized the vote as a “farce” with low voter turnout.
Rescue operations continue in both countries.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
