A severe thunderstorm on Friday evening inundated the Moroccan city of Ouarzazate, flooding streets and caused drains to overflow.
Social media footage showed intense rainfall quickly overwhelming the area, as the deluge caused several old buildings to collapse, and auxiliary forces were seen rescuing residents from submerged homes.
Sources from Ouarzazate report that the recent rainfall was unprecedented in decades. The heavy downpour overwhelmed the city’s waterways, leading to rising water levels in the main roads and streets and resulting in the submergence of homes and shops.
The intense rainfall has led to the closure of several main roads, including national, regional, and local routes.
The General Directorate of Meteorology had issued warnings for severe thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds across multiple Moroccan regions. A “red” alert was in place for the provinces of Zagora, Tinghir, Errachidia, Ouarzazate, and Tata, predicting very heavy rainfall.
Similar conditions were expected in Assa-Zag and Smara. An “orange” alert was issued for other provinces, including Figuig, Taroudant, Midelt, Azilal, and Al Haouz.
In anticipation of severe thunderstorms, the Regional Directorates of National Education in Ouarzazate and Zagora suspended classes on Saturday, September 7, in schools located near valleys and ravines.
Local authorities in Kelaat M’Gouna, Tinghir, urged residents to exercise caution and avoid valleys and waterways due to expected weather fluctuations.
A warning bulletin predicted torrential rainfall of between 70 and 120 mm in several provinces, including Zagora, Tinghir, Errachidia, Ouarzazate, and Tata. Rainfall of 30 to 70 mm was expected in other provinces.
Given the expected poor visibility, the Ministry of Equipment and Water urged road users to exercise extra caution during this period.
According to Hespress, a city official confirmed that the regional authority’s instructions were implemented promptly. The concerned authorities opened all water sewers and drained the flooded streets and roads. Measures were also taken to prevent future flooding, and residents have returned to their homes.
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