Morocco launches nationwide emergency relief after floods kill dozens

Authorities distribute aid to tens of thousands of families hit by deadly winter stormsPublished On 17 Dec 2025Morocco has launched a nationwide emergency relief operation to support families affected by severe winter weather as communities across the country grapple with deadly floods and plunging temperatures.The aid program was announced on Tuesday and will reach approximately 73,000 households across 28 provinces hit by freezing conditions, torrential rains and snowstorms, authorities said.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2At least 37 dead after flash floods hit Morocco’s Safilist 2 of 2Photos: Morocco’s Safi counts the cost in aftermath of deadly flash floodsend of listAuthorities are distributing food supplies and blankets to families in affected areas, as weather officials warn that dangerous conditions will persist in the coming days.The relief effort follows a catastrophic flash flood in the coastal city of Safi on Sunday that killed 37 people when a sudden deluge overwhelmed the city.About 70 homes and shops were damaged after just one hour of intense rainfall, with muddy torrents sweeping vehicles through the streets and trapping residents inside buildings.Fourteen people required hospital treatment, with two remaining in intensive care, officials said. Schools across Safi have closed for at least three days as debris and mud continue to block roads.The disaster unfolded in the Bab Chabaa district, where water levels surged to about four metres (13ft) in some areas. One resident, a 67-year-old rights activist, described how shopkeepers became trapped after locking themselves inside their stores as floodwaters rose rapidly, with some merchants and workers unable to escape.A mother of six told reporters her family had “lost everything”, while another resident said she fled her home with only the clothes she was wearing.