Flooding in Morocco and Algeria kills over a dozen people

Over the weekend, torrential rains struck North Africa, particularly affecting Morocco and Algeria, leading to severe flooding. The storms were unprecedented, with rainfall surpassing historical averages, even exceeding the annual average in some areas. This deluge impacted regions that had previously experienced a deadly earthquake, highlighting the vulnerability of these areas to natural disasters. In Morocco, the flooding resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, with 24 homes collapsing and nine people reported missing. The damage extended to critical infrastructure, including drinking water and electrical systems, as well as major roads. In Algeria, the situation was similarly dire, with at least five fatalities reported in desert provinces. The Interior Minister described the circumstances as catastrophic, indicating the widespread impact of the flooding. The government mobilized thousands of civil protection and military personnel to assist in emergency response efforts, focusing on rescuing families trapped in their homes. The floods also caused significant damage to transportation infrastructure, including bridges and trains, complicating rescue and recovery operations. Authorities in both countries are working diligently to restore communication and access to the affected regions. The Moroccan government has urged citizens to exercise caution in light of the exceptional weather conditions. The flooding has raised concerns about the adequacy of infrastructure in rural areas, which have historically been underserved. As recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on providing aid to those affected and assessing the long-term implications of such extreme weather events in a region that is not accustomed to such heavy rainfall.