At least 21 killed as flash floods hit Safi following one hour of extreme rainfall, Morocco
Severe flash floods struck the Atlantic coastal city of Safi, western Morocco, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, killing at least 21 people and injuring 32 others after an hour of intense rainfall inundated urban areas. Homes, shops, and roads were flooded, and multiple vehicles were swept away.
Satellite image over Safi, Morocco at 16:10 UTC on December 14, 2025. Credit: EUMETSAT/Meteosat, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
Severe flash flooding hit Safi and the surrounding areas in western Morocco after a short period of exceptionally heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems and low-lying neighborhoods. Moroccan authorities confirmed at least 21 fatalities and 32 injuries as of Monday, December 15.
Officials said approximately one hour of torrential rain was sufficient to flood dozens of homes and commercial premises, sweep away vehicles, and cut road connections across parts of the city, temporarily isolating several neighborhoods as floodwaters rose rapidly. Damage was reported to residential buildings, shops, and transport infrastructure, with multiple vehicles carried downstream by fast-moving water.
Emergency services were deployed to conduct search-and-rescue operations, assist affected residents, and secure damaged infrastructure. Most of the injured were treated in the hospital and later discharged, according to local authorities.
Unverified figures circulating on social media suggest that approximately 150–240 mm (6–9.5 inches) of rain may have fallen within about one hour in parts of the Safi area. These figures have not been confirmed by Morocco’s national meteorological service or other authoritative agencies and should be treated as preliminary and unofficial.
The flooding followed a broader period of heavy rainfall and snowfall in the Atlas Mountains, coming after seven consecutive years of drought that significantly reduced water levels in many of Morocco’s main reservoirs. Prolonged drought conditions have increased surface runoff during intense rainfall events, heightening flood risk in urban areas.
Floods are among Morocco’s most damaging natural hazards and have historically caused significant loss of life and infrastructure damage.
Local authorities urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid flood-prone and low-lying areas, and follow official guidance as emergency services continue response and recovery efforts.
References:
1 Death toll from floods rises to 21 in western Morocco – Anadolu Agency – December 15, 2025
2 Torrential Rains Drown Safi, Killing Seven People – Morocco World News – December 14, 2025
Teo Blašković founded The Watchers in 2011 and edited it until 2026, covering seismic and volcanic activity, extreme weather, space weather and near-Earth objects. Articles on this page are his archive.
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