Rabat – Morocco is grappling with the devastating aftermath of severe thunderstorms and heavy rains that have claimed at least 18 lives across the country.
The Ministry of Interior released an updated toll today, revealing that most of the fatalities occurred in the southern provinces of Tata and Errachidia.
“As of the evening of Monday, September 9, 2024, 18 deaths have been reported,” the ministry said in a statement. “The fatalities include 10 people in the province of Tata, 3 in Errachidia (including two foreign nationals, one Canadian and one Peruvian), 2 in Tiznit, 2 in Tinghir (one of whom was a Spanish national), and 1 in Taroudant.”
The torrential rains have caused significant damage to infrastructure, including the collapse of 56 homes and eight medium-sized installations. Roads have been rendered impassable, disrupting transportation and access to essential services.
“The affected areas have recorded the following preliminary toll: The collapse of 56 homes, 27 of which have been completely destroyed,” the ministry stated. “The total or partial collapse of eight medium-sized infrastructure installations. Damage to electricity, drinking water, and telecommunications networks.”
Emergency responders have been working tirelessly to provide relief to affected communities. Food supplies, tents, and blankets are being distributed to displaced families, and efforts are underway to restore electricity, water, and telecommunications networks.
“Various public authorities are fully mobilizing all necessary human and logistical resources to respond quickly and effectively to this exceptional situation,” the ministry said. “Measures are being taken to provide support to affected citizens, including the distribution of food supplies, tents, and blankets to impacted families”.
