Heavy Rains Force School Closures in Southeastern Morocco

Forced rest for students in the region who have only just returned to school a few days ago. The provincial delegations of the Ministry of National Education as well as some schools have decided to close the schools due to the heavy rains announced for this weekend, which could lead to flooding.

The Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM) has updated its alert bulletin, announcing "very heavy thunderstorms (80-150 mm), accompanied by hail and gusts of wind under storms" from Friday at 4:00 p.m. to Sunday at 11:00 p.m. The cities of Zagora, Tinghir, Errachidia, Ouarzazate and Tata may be affected and monitoring committees are closely following the situation in these cities.

Heavy rainfall (60-90 mm) is also expected in Assa-Zag and Es-Semara on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as in Figuig, Taroudant, Midelt, Azilal and Al Haouz (30-60 mm) from Friday at 4 p.m. to Sunday at 11 p.m., and in Guelmim, Sidi Ifni and Tiznit on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., according to the DGM.

According to the forecasts, these desert and Saharan regions, which are experiencing water stress due to the severe drought that has been affecting Morocco for more than six years, should expect exceptional rainfall.