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Devastating Flash Floods Sweep Through Ouarzazate, Morocco: Homes Collapse and Traffic Grinds to a Halt

Devastating Flash Floods Sweep Through Ouarzazate, Morocco: Homes Collapse and Traffic Grinds to a Halt
Saturday 07 September 2024 - 10:45
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Heavy thunderstorms have unleashed chaos in Ouarzazate, Morocco, as flash floods ravaged the city on Friday, causing widespread destruction and disruption. The deluge led to the collapse of houses in several neighborhoods and brought traffic to a standstill for over two hours on multiple roadways.

Local authorities swiftly intervened, evacuating numerous homes that had been inundated by the rapidly rising waters. The floods transformed streets and alleys into impromptu ponds, effectively paralyzing movement throughout the affected areas.

The severe weather conditions are not isolated to Ouarzazate. A weather alert issued earlier warned of heavy thunderstorms expected to dump between 80 to 150 millimeters of rain in various provinces. The storm system, which began at 4 p.m., is forecasted to impact Zagora, Tinghir, Errachidia, Ouarzazate, and Tata. Additionally, Assa Zag and E-Semara are predicted to receive 60 to 90 millimeters of rainfall from Saturday morning until 11 p.m.

In response to the dire situation, Morocco's Ministry of Equipment has urged road and highway users across the country to exercise extreme caution. The ministry emphasized the likelihood of severely reduced visibility or even complete lack of visibility due to the intense weather conditions.

The current forecast suggests that these tumultuous weather patterns will persist until Sunday, prolonging the risk to residents and infrastructure in the affected regions. As emergency services work tirelessly to mitigate the damage and assist those in need, the people of Ouarzazate and surrounding areas brace themselves for the possibility of further challenges in the coming days.

This extreme weather event serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.


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