11 dead, 9 missing after torrential rains in Morocco

Eleven people have died, and nine others are missing following heavy torrential rainfall in 17 prefectures and provinces of Morocco, according to a provisional report from the Ministry of the Interior on Sunday.

Seven deaths were reported in the province of Tata, two in Tiznit, and two other victims, including a foreign national, in Errachidia, stated Interior Ministry spokesman Rachid El Khalfi in a press release. Nine people remain missing in the provinces of Tata, Errachidia, and Taroudant, he added.

The spokesman emphasized that the heavy rainfall recorded over the past two days amounted to half the region's annual average, or even exceeded it in some areas. Tata recorded 250 mm, Tinghir 203 mm, Figuig 114 mm, and Ouarzazate 82 mm.

Regarding material damage, 40 houses were reported to have collapsed, with 24 of them completely destroyed. Four medium-sized engineering structures were also either partially or totally damaged.

Additionally, 93 road sections were affected, including national, regional, and provincial routes, causing significant traffic disruptions. Public authorities have since restored traffic flow on 53 of these sections.

The severe weather also damaged electricity, drinking water, and telecommunications networks.

Local authorities and all relevant entities, including the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), the Royal Gendarmerie, National Security, Auxiliary Forces, Civil Protection, and technical departments, have been mobilized from the start, deploying all necessary human and logistical resources to address the situation and provide assistance to the affected population, the spokesman said.

Efforts continue to reopen affected areas and restore road, electricity, water, and telecommunications services.

These actions are part of a comprehensive, proactive approach adopted by public authorities to mitigate the effects of this exceptional situation, which began on August 29, 2024. This includes the activation of monitoring committees, raising awareness among local populations, and mobilizing essential resources, El Khalfi noted.

The Ministry of the Interior urges local residents and visitors to the affected regions to exercise extreme caution, given the unstable weather conditions, and to adhere strictly to the recommendations and advice provided by the authorities, he stressed.