Authorities in the Tata region of southeastern Morocco reported that an exceptional flood on Friday night caused a bus to be swept away, resulting in the deaths of two passengers and 14 others reported missing.
The local authorities confirmed that the incident, caused by severe flooding, left two people dead and 14 others unaccounted for. Fortunately, 13 passengers were rescued from the floodwaters.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, another woman has been reported missing due to the flash floods, according to the same source.
Record Water Levels in Rivers
The unprecedented rainfall led to significant rises in water levels across multiple rivers in the region. The flow of the Tata River surged to over 2,300 cubic meters per second, while the Zgid River reached more than 1,900 cubic meters per second, contributing to the devastation.
Widespread Damage
The flooding also caused widespread damage across several areas of the region. According to a preliminary assessment, the impact includes:
- Complete or partial collapse of some homes, though residents had been evacuated earlier.
- Destruction of several infrastructure elements.
- Severe damage to road sections, with traffic cut off on multiple routes.
Government Response and Rescue Efforts
Authorities have fully mobilized all logistical and human resources to respond to this extraordinary situation. Efforts are focused on providing immediate aid to affected citizens, managing the flood response, and rescuing missing individuals.
As of now, rescue operations are ongoing, with teams working to locate the missing and restore road and service networks in the region.
