ISLAMABAD : A flash flood in a Moroccan coastal town killed at least 37, local officials said Monday, as search and rescue operations continued. Drought-hit Morocco often faces severe weather, but Sunday’s flooding in Safi is already the deadliest such disaster in at least a decade.
Schools have been closed for at least three days and mud and debris clog the streets. A muddy torrent swept cars and bins from the streets in Safi, which is around 300 kilometres (186 miles) south of the capital Rabat.
An emergency response plan has been activated to receive those injured in the flash floods that swept the Safi province on Sunday, said Dr. Khalid Iazza, Director of Mohammed V Hospital in Safi.
In a statement Dr. Iazza explained that the plan includes mobilizing medical, nursing, and administrative staff, as well as deploying all necessary human and logistical resources. He added that the hospital has prepared 50 beds specifically for these cases, with the possibility of expanding capacity to other departments if needed.
Dr. Iazza stressed that all essential medical equipment is available, including CT scanners, X-ray machines, ultrasound imaging, and laboratory testing, along with logistical supplies such as blankets. He confirmed that no shortages have been recorded in the hospital’s response.
The mobilization also involved calling in five emergency physicians, two anesthesiologists, an orthopedic surgeon, and a neurosurgeon. By 6 p.m. on Sunday, the emergency department had received a total of 61 cases, two of whom were admitted to the intensive care unit. Both remain in stable condition. Eighteen other patients were hospitalized with severe hypothermia.
On Monday morning, the director reported that patients still under observation were in good condition. Thirteen had been discharged, while five remained under treatment, in addition to the two ICU patients whose condition is stable and who are expected to leave the unit later today or tomorrow.
He concluded that «the situation is under control thanks to the hospital’s preparedness and mobilization, which made it possible to provide all necessary medical care to the patients.
