Temporary Shelters Open as Safi Faces Deadly Flood Damage

Rabat  – Safi has witnessed a coordinated response from local authorities in recent days as flooding caused by rising waters of Oued Châaba left several families displaced. 

Acting in partnership with the provincial delegation of National Mutual Aid and the municipal council, authorities mobilized a number of social protection centers to shelter affected households, with accommodation and meals fully covered.

These emergency measures aim to provide a minimum level of social stability for families whose homes suffered severe damage from the floods. 

They come as an interim response while longer-term rehousing solutions are prepared, and as adverse weather conditions continue to affect the area. 

According to local sources, several families have already been transferred to temporary shelters set up to address the immediate needs, particularly in parts of the old medina, which remains among the most exposed zones. 

Authorities say the operations will continue in the coming days until weather conditions improve and more structural responses are put in place.

At the same time, questions have resurfaced around compensation for flood victims. Attention has turned to the eligibility of affected families, including those who lost relatives, to benefit from the Solidarity Fund Against Natural Disasters. 

Civil society actors have also called for Safi to be officially declared a disaster area, a step that would activate broader support mechanisms and ease access to the public fund.

Alongside official efforts, local civil society has shown strong mobilization. Several associations organized the distribution of food supplies, basic necessities, and logistical equipment to affected families. 

Citizen-led initiatives also focused on cleaning streets and alleys in the medina that were filled with mud and debris, helping restore basic sanitary conditions.

This wave of solidarity has been welcomed by residents, many of whom expressed appreciation for the rapid response and sense of responsibility shown by all those involved. 

The efforts are seen as particularly important given the risks of structural collapse in homes weakened by torrential rains and sudden flooding.