Over a Dozen People are Killed in Morocco and Algeria by Torrential Rains

Over the weekend, torrential downpours struck North Africa’s typically arid mountains and deserts, causing flooding that destroyed homes and vital infrastructure and claimed the lives of over a dozen people in Morocco and Algeria.

Officials in Morocco reported that the storms, which lasted two days, exceeded historical averages and, in certain cases, the yearly average rainfall. The downpours impacted some of the areas devastated by a deadly earthquake a year ago.

Meteorologists predicted a rare deluge would hit the Sahara Desert in North Africa, where many regions receive less than an inch of rain annually.

According to Moroccan officials, 24 homes collapsed and 11 people died in rural areas that have historically had inadequate infrastructure. There were nine individuals missing. Major roads, drinking water supplies, and electrical infrastructure were all harmed.

According to a statement released on Sunday by Rachid El Khalfi, the spokesperson for Morocco’s Interior Ministry, the government was working to restore communication and access to flooded regions in the “exceptional situation.” He also advised people to exercise caution.