Deadly Floods in Morocco: 3 Killed as Heavy Rains Cause Widespread Damage

Considerable human and material damage was recorded in the regions of Marrakech, Kalaa des Sraghna, Taza and Taroudant, after the heavy rainfall on Monday. In Taza, two women from the rural communes of Rayfa and Sidi Ahmed Zerrouk lost their lives after being swept away by a flooded wadi, reports Assabah, adding that the lifeless body of a third person was also recovered by a rescue team after being swept away by a flooded wadi near Kalaa des Sraghna.

In terms of material damage, Marrakech Menara airport suffered significant damage. Some recently built airport facilities did not withstand the heavy rains. Similarly, the rainwater drainage systems on the main roads of the ochre city gave way after half an hour of heavy rainfall, causing flooding. "Motorists and motorcyclists were trapped in several parts of the city, particularly on the bridge leading to Targa," notes the daily, questioning the quality of these infrastructures.

Bridges, as well as roads and schools in rural areas of the Taza region, were also affected by these rains that destroyed agricultural crops in other regions and swept away livestock. Faced with the extent of the damage, the prefectural monitoring committee in Ouarzazate decreed the suspension of classes in all schools in the affected areas. This toll could worsen in the coming days.