The president of the Tamanart commune, situated in Tata, in the southeastern part of Morocco, informed state media channel 2M on Saturday that eight people died and 15 are missing following flooding incidences in the city.
The heavy rainstorms that swept across southeastern Morocco have caused significant damage to infrastructure and property.
The southeastern regions of Morocco, including the cities of Ouarzazate, Tata, Tinghir, and Tiznit, experienced heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday, with precipitation exceeding 100 mm in some areas.
The extreme weather resulted in flash flooding, which caused the collapse of multiple houses in Tata and other affected areas.
Despite the ongoing efforts of local authorities, the extent of the damage is significant, and rescue operations are still in progress.
Al Youm24 news outlet reported that authorities have recovered the bodies of nine individuals as of Sunday who went missing after heavy rains on Saturday night.
On Sunday morning, six bodies were discovered in one of the villages, and three others were recovered from Oued Tamanart.
Local sources have indicated that the death toll may increase, as other indiciduals, including women, elderly persons, and children, have been reported missing in the villages of “Ikmir and Aoukerda.”
Due to inclement weather on Friday, at least three houses collapsed in Ouarzazate, and roadways sustained significant damage due to flooding.
Local authorities responded swiftly to the situation, evacuating numerous residents. There were no casualties or injuries among the affected population.
Schools in the affected areas have been closed since Friday, with no official date for reopening, local media said.
On Saturday evening, the Meteorological Agency (DGM) issued alerts for thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds from Saturday through Sunday, maintaining red and orange alert levels for the southeast and Atlas regions.