Flash floods swept through parts of Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, carrying away vehicles and damaging roads and infrastructure in Al Haouz Province. The area is still recovering from a devastating 2023 earthquake. Heavy rainfall triggered floodwaters and mud across several areas, disrupting traffic and damaging roads. Powerful currents carried away vehicles caught in their path, raising concerns about risks facing residents and road users during intense rainfall.
The flooding followed severe weather warnings issued by Morocco's General Directorate of Meteorology, which forecast thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across several provinces. Local reports indicated disruption in areas around Asni and Moulay Brahim, where torrents and falling rocks affected road access. Authorities deployed intervention teams and heavy machinery to clear debris and restore traffic on affected routes.
Al Haouz Province faces another challenge after the 2023 earthquake, which killed nearly 3,000 people and damaged or destroyed homes, schools, and infrastructure. Reconstruction and recovery efforts have continued since the disaster. The latest floods have brought renewed attention to the vulnerability of communities in Al Haouz.
The earthquake and recent floods are separate disasters, but the latest weather event has created additional challenges for communities in the mountainous province. Difficult terrain can complicate access to villages and emergency response operations. Damage to roads and infrastructure can disrupt residents' daily activities and access to essential services.
Authorities have urged residents and motorists to exercise caution as heavy rainfall can cause water levels to rise rapidly in riverbeds and ravines. Flash floods can carry vehicles, rocks, and debris over short distances, leaving little time for people to react. Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded roads and wadis.
The floods have disrupted traffic and damaged roads in Al Haouz Province, with footage showing the extent of the water runoff as it moved through inhabited areas. The disruption has raised concerns about the risks facing residents and road users during periods of intense rainfall.
Morocco's General Directorate of Meteorology issued severe weather warnings, forecasting thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across several provinces. The authorities have deployed teams and heavy machinery to clear debris and restore traffic on affected routes, and residents are advised to follow safety instructions issued by local authorities and emergency services.
Key points
- Flash floods hit Morocco's Al Haouz Province, damaging roads and infrastructure.
- The area is still recovering from a devastating 2023 earthquake.
- Authorities urge residents and motorists to exercise caution during heavy rainfall.
