Over the weekend, North Africa experienced unprecedented torrential downpours that led to devastating flooding in Morocco and Algeria. The storms, which were unusually severe for the region, resulted in the loss of nearly two dozen lives and caused significant damage to homes and critical infrastructure.
In Morocco, officials reported that the two days of relentless rain exceeded historical averages, surpassing even the annual average rainfall in some areas. This extreme weather event impacted regions that had previously been affected by a deadly earthquake just one year ago.
Meteorologists had warned of the possibility of a rare deluge hitting the Sahara Desert, where rainfall is typically minimal, with some areas receiving less than an inch of rain per year.
In Morocco, 18 people lost their lives in rural areas that have historically lacked adequate infrastructure, with 56 homes collapsing and nine individuals still missing. The floods caused damage to drinking water and electrical systems, as well as major roads, disrupting normal life in the affected areas.
Tragically, among the casualties were foreign nationals from Canada and Peru who were visiting the region known for its desert landscapes.
The Moroccan Interior Ministry spokesperson emphasized the government's efforts to restore communication and access to the flooded regions during this exceptional crisis, urging the public to exercise caution.
In neighboring Algeria, at least five people perished in the desert provinces due to the flooding. The Interior Minister described the situation as catastrophic and highlighted the government's deployment of thousands of civil protection and military personnel to assist with emergency response and rescue operations.
The floods in Algeria also caused damage to bridges and disrupted train services, further complicating the recovery efforts in the affected areas.
