Mon Dec 15 02:16:35 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article, suitable for publication in The Hindu on December 15, 2025:
Summary:
Heavy flash-flooding struck the Moroccan coastal town of Safi on December 14, 2025, resulting in at least 21 fatalities and numerous injuries. The flooding, caused by sudden and intense rainfall, inundated homes, businesses, and roads, disrupting traffic and leaving residents to grapple with significant damage. Residents express concern over the lack of immediate government response to pump out the water. The event occurs against the backdrop of Morocco’s ongoing struggle with drought and increasingly extreme weather patterns attributed to climate change. More heavy rain is forecasted.
News Article:
Flash Floods Kill at Least 21 in Moroccan Coastal Town of Safi
Rabat, December 15, 2025: Devastating flash floods triggered by torrential rainfall swept through the Moroccan coastal town of Safi on Sunday, claiming the lives of at least 21 people, local authorities have confirmed.
Images circulating on social media depict a powerful surge of muddy water coursing through the streets of Safi, a city located approximately 300 kilometers south of the capital, Rabat. The deluge swept away vehicles and debris, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
According to authorities, at least 70 homes and businesses in Safi’s historic old city were inundated by the floodwaters. In addition to the fatalities, 32 people were injured and transported to local hospitals, although most have been discharged.
The flooding has also caused significant damage to road infrastructure, disrupting traffic and effectively cutting off several routes to and from the vital Atlantic port city.
“It’s a black day,” lamented resident Hamza Chdouani in an interview with AFP. As the water receded, residents were seen sifting through the mud-soaked remains of their belongings, highlighting the personal toll of the disaster. Some residents, like Marouane Tamer, voiced frustration over the perceived lack of a timely government response to pump out the floodwaters.
As search and rescue operations continue, the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) has issued a warning for more heavy rainfall across the country on Tuesday, raising concerns about the potential for further flooding.
The disaster highlights the increasing vulnerability of Morocco to extreme weather events. The country is currently grappling with a severe drought for the seventh consecutive year. The DGM previously reported that 2024 was Morocco’s hottest year on record, accompanied by an average rainfall deficit of -24.7%.
While Moroccan autumns typically see a gradual drop in temperatures, climate change is disrupting traditional weather patterns. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, and warmer seas can fuel more intense storms. This makes the country increasingly susceptible to severe weather and flooding events, raising concerns about the long-term impact on communities and infrastructure.
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