Rabat – The Moroccan General Directorate of Meteorology has issued warnings of thunderstorms, ranging from 30 to 90 millimeters (mm) of rain, accompanied by hail and gusts of wind, expected to hit various regions on Wednesday and Thursday.
In a red-level alert, the meteorological authority specified that thunderstorms predicted to produce rainfall amounts ranging between 70 and 90 mm are expected in the Figuig province. These storms will start from 1 p.m. local time on Wednesday and continue until 3 a.m. on Thursday.
In addition, the directorate issued an orange-level alert noting that the same weather phenomenon will impact the provinces of Jerada, Boulemane, Midelt, and Errachidia, where rainfall is predicted to reach 50 to 70 mm.
The provinces of Oujda-Angad and Taourirt are expected to experience between 30 to 50 mm of rain. This alert is effective from 2 p.m. on Wednesday until 11 p.m.
The weather alerts come as several provinces in southeastern Morocco, particularly Tata, are struggling with the aftermath of severe rain and floods that hit the region last week. The heavy floods led to the death of 11 people while several others remain missing, according to local authorities.
The rain also caused severe material damage, including the collapse of at least 40 houses and the destruction of several infrastructure projects. It also severely damaged agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, fruit trees, and annual crops.
In response, the Ministry of Agriculture announced on Tuesday the allocation of a MAD 40 million ($1.4 million) budget in repair efforts.
The plan is set to focus on restoring damaged irrigation systems, rural roads, solar energy equipment, and pumping stations in Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Errachidia, Midelt, and Zagora.
