The death toll from flash floods that hit the Moroccan coastal town of Safi over the weekend rose to 37, local authorities said Monday.
"Fourteen people are currently being treated at Mohammed V hospital in Safi, including two in intensive care," local authorities added in their statement.
Authorities said heavy rain and flash floods overnight inundated about 70 homes and businesses and swept away 10 vehicles.
Local outlets reported that schools announced three days of closures. Rains also caused flooding and damage elsewhere throughout Morocco, including the northern city of Tetouan and the mountain town of Tinghir.
Videos shared on social media showed cars stranded and partially submerged as floodwaters surged through Safi’s streets.
One hour of heavy rain was enough to flood homes and shops in the old town of Safi, sweeping away cars and cutting off many roads in surrounding areas, as rescue efforts continued, authorities reported.
Search and rescue operations continued on Monday, after the deadliest such severe weather event in Morocco in over a decade.
Climate change has made weather patterns more unpredictable in Morocco - severe weather and flooding are not uncommon. In addition Morocco has been struggling with a severe drought for the seventh consecutive year.
The General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) said 2024 was Morocco's hottest year on record, while registering an average rainfall deficit of -24.7 percent.
North Africa has been plagued by several years of drought, hardening soils and making mountains, deserts and plains more susceptible to flooding. Last year, floods in normally arid mountains and desert areas killed nearly two dozen people in Morocco and Algeria.
(With inputs from AP, AFP)