Morocco Floods: Four Dead as Torrential Rain Hits Chichaoua Province

Yesterday 21:40

At least four people, including a young girl, have died after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in parts of Chichaoua province over the weekend, leaving homes and businesses damaged and sweeping away livestock.

The commune of Amzouda was among the areas hardest hit by the sudden rise in water levels. In Tamazirt village, a girl drowned in the floodwaters, while three other people were also reported dead in incidents linked to the severe weather.

The flooding caused substantial damage to residential properties and commercial premises, disrupting the lives of local residents and adding to the losses suffered by livestock owners.

Floodwaters damage homes and sweep away livestock

The impact extended beyond Amzouda. In Ihsaïnten village, located within the commune of Zaouia Nahlia, several houses were affected by overflowing river waters.

The rapid flooding highlighted the vulnerability of rural settlements to sudden runoff following intense rainfall. Homes, small businesses and livestock were among the assets exposed to the rising waters, leaving affected communities facing the immediate consequences of the disaster.

The full extent of the material damage was not specified in the available information.

Meteorological authorities had warned of severe weather

The flooding occurred as Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM) had forecast locally intense thunderstorms for Saturday and Sunday across several provinces.

The warning included the possibility of hail and strong wind gusts accompanying thunderstorms, signalling a risk of hazardous weather in multiple parts of the country.

Among the provinces covered by the forecast were Chichaoua, Al Haouz, Marrakech, Essaouira, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Béni Mellal, Taroudant, Tata, Guelmim and Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane. Other areas included Khénifra, Ifrane, Midelt, Boulemane, Al Hoceima, Rehamna, El Kelâa des Sraghna, Tiznit, Sidi Ifni, Assa-Zag, Chtouka-Ait Baha, Inezgane-Ait Melloul and Fquih Ben Salah.

Rural communities exposed to sudden flooding

The deaths and damage in Chichaoua underscore the dangers posed by intense rainfall when water levels rise rapidly in riverbeds and surrounding areas. Such conditions can turn waterways into powerful currents, threatening residents, homes and agricultural livelihoods.

The incidents in Amzouda and Zaouia Nahlia also highlight the importance of timely weather alerts and preventive measures in vulnerable communities, particularly during periods of intense thunderstorms.