• At least 37 fatalities reported in flash floods in Safi, Morocco.
• Severe rainfall inundated around 70 homes and businesses in the city.
• Ongoing search and rescue operations are addressing the aftermath.

Flash floods triggered by an hour of torrential rain have caused at least 37 deaths in the Moroccan city of Safi, according to local authorities. The extreme weather has severely affected the region, leading to the inundation of approximately 70 homes and businesses, with reports indicating that many roads have been blocked due to flooding and debris. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, focusing on providing support and medical aid to affected residents, who have been advised to stay in safe areas as further heavy rains are expected in the coming days according to aa, aljazeera, and bbc.

Hospital reports indicate that about 14 individuals are receiving medical treatment due to injuries sustained from the floods, with some cases categorized as serious. The floods have also resulted in significant disruption, including the suspension of classes in local schools. Video footage shared online displays scenes of cars and debris being swept away by swift floodwaters, underlining the devastating impact of this natural disaster, as highlighted by reuters, africanews, and scmp.

This week’s flooding follows a period of severe drought in the region, which has made the land more susceptible to sudden and extreme weather patterns likely exacerbated by climate change. As noted by experts, Morocco's climatic shifts have led to increased incidences of both drought and flooding, creating dangerous conditions for its infrastructure and emergency services, as confirmed by aa, bbc, and reuters.