The Moroccan Ministry of Interior reported in a press release that a wave of heavy rains and thunderstorms that swept across 17 provinces and prefectures in the kingdom has resulted in 11 deaths and 9 missing persons, according to an initial assessment of the natural disaster.
According to the statement, the deaths were distributed as follows:
- 7 people in Tata province
- 2 people in Tiznit province
- 2 people in Errachidia province (one of whom is a foreign national)
The nine missing individuals were reported in the provinces of Tata, Errachidia, and Taroudant.
The Interior Ministry spokesperson indicated that the amount of rainfall over the past two days equals half the annual average precipitation in some affected areas, and even exceeded it in others. For example, the following amounts were recorded:
- Tata: 250 mm
- Tinghir: 203 mm
- Figuig: 114 mm
- Ouarzazate: 82 mm
Regarding material losses, the statement detailed that the affected areas experienced the following:
- Collapse of 40 houses, 24 of which were completely destroyed
- Partial or total collapse of 4 medium-sized engineering structures
- Damage to 93 road sections, leading to traffic suspension. Local authorities have so far managed to reopen 53 of these sections
- Damage to drinking water, electricity, and telecommunications networks in some areas
The statement affirmed that local authorities and various intervening parties, including the Royal Armed Forces, Royal Gendarmerie, National Security, Auxiliary Forces, Civil Protection, and various technical administrations concerned, have been strongly mobilized since the first moments. They deployed all necessary logistical and human resources for immediate intervention to deal with this exceptional situation and provide necessary assistance to affected populations.
The statement added that efforts are still ongoing to break the isolation of the affected areas, reopen damaged roads, and ensure the resumption of drinking water supplies, electricity, and communication services.
The Ministry called on local residents and visitors to the affected areas to exercise extreme caution and avoid any behavior that could endanger their lives, especially as weather conditions remain unstable. It also urged compliance with local authorities’ instructions to ensure their safety.