THE AFRICA TIMES | MOROCCO —
Safi Flooding Sparks Debate on Infrastructure and Accountability
Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch addressed the recent flooding in Safi. He attributed the devastating event to unforeseen heavy rainfall. The floods resulted in significant loss of life and widespread damage.
Akhannouch offered condolences to the affected families during his parliamentary address. His remarks have come under scrutiny amid growing public criticism of the region’s infrastructure.
Government Response and Public Criticism
Mohammed Ouzzine, a Member of Parliament, voiced strong criticism of the government’s handling of the disaster. He highlighted what he described as longstanding neglect from successive administrations.
Ouzzine urged Akhannouch’s government to accept responsibility for the tragic events. He emphasized the urgent need for the Disaster Compensation Fund to support the victims.
Ouzzine called for Safi to be officially declared a disaster-stricken city. The floods have claimed at least 37 lives and caused widespread disruption.
Details of the Flooding
Reports indicate that rainfall in Safi exceeded 60 millimeters within a three-hour period on Sunday. This intense precipitation led to sudden and violent flash floods, particularly affecting the old city.
The Regional Director of Equipment has confirmed the exceptional rainfall levels. Rescue efforts were undertaken by civil protection forces and local citizens.
Read also: Safi Heartbreak: Don’t Blame the Rain
Footage and pictures online show civil protection efforts to help rescue people. Citizens across the region joined the efforts.
The Regional Director of Equipment today confirmed that rainfall recorded in Safi on Sunday exceeded 60 millimeters within a three-hour period.
“The rainfall experienced by the city of Safi on Sunday varied in quantity between the central, southern, and northern parts of the city,” he said.
He said the concentration of precipitation was in the old city, while other parts of the region did not record the same value of rainfall.
He said the death toll resulting from the exceptional thunder rainfall triggered sudden and violent flash floods.
Weather Forecast and Anticipated Rainfall
The weather office forecasts snowfall in several provinces starting Tuesday night. Accumulations are expected to reach 50 to 80 centimeters in Al Haouz, Ouarzazate, and Azilal.
Heavy thunderstorms are also predicted, with downpours of 45 to 65 millimeters expected in other regions. These include Taounate, Al Hoceima, and several other provinces.
Rainfall between 25 and 35 millimeters is expected in Marrakech, Safi, and El Jadida. Other regions like Casablanca and Tangier may also experience similar conditions.
