At least four people have been killed by flash floods in northern Morocco, as the country grapples with severe flooding triggered by Storm Marta. The fatalities include three children and one man, with another individual reported missing following the devastating weather event.
Deadly Incident Near Tétouan
According to a statement from Morocco's Interior Ministry, the victims died when their vehicle was swept away in a village close to Tétouan, approximately 270 kilometers north of the capital Rabat. The deceased are identified as a girl and two boys, aged between 2 and 14 years old, alongside a man in his thirties. Local authorities have confirmed they will launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
Storm Marta's Impact
Houssine Youabed of Morocco's General Directorate of Meteorology reported that Storm Marta moved into the region over the weekend, unleashing torrential rainfall exceeding 92 millimeters in some northern cities. This intense precipitation caused rapid flash flooding across affected areas. The storm system also extended its reach into neighboring Spain and Portugal, though Morocco bore the brunt of its destructive force.
Preceding Storm Leonardo Exacerbates Crisis
The situation was further aggravated by another severe weather system, Storm Leonardo, which struck northern Africa and the Iberian peninsula just days earlier. Leonardo's heavy rains overwhelmed dams and rivers, resulting in significant damage to homes and agricultural land, triggering minor landslides, and compelling the evacuation of more than 150,000 residents from vulnerable zones.
Evacuations and Infrastructure Strain
Moroccan authorities have been forced to conduct mass evacuations as water releases from overfilled dams compounded the flooding risks. The continuous heavy rainfall has placed immense pressure on local infrastructure, with emergency services working tirelessly to manage the crisis and assist displaced communities.
Silver Lining Amid the Disaster
Despite the tragic loss of life and widespread disruption, officials noted one positive outcome from the turbulent weather. The substantial rainfall has secured at least a year's supply of drinking water for Morocco and provided a much-needed boost to the nation's critical agricultural sector. This comes as a significant relief following an extended period of severe drought that has plagued the country for years.
The Moroccan government continues to monitor the situation closely, coordinating relief efforts and assessing the full extent of damage caused by these consecutive storms. Residents in affected regions are urged to remain vigilant and follow official safety advisories as the weather pattern evolves.
