Record rainfall in Moroccan city of Salé leaves residential buildings inundated

Overnight on Tue, Oct 24, 2023, record rainfall inundated residential complexes in Salé, Morocco. The region has experienced similar flooding incidents in recent years, attributed to changing weather patterns and infrastructure challenges.

Earlier this month, heavy rains in Safi resulted in 37 fatalities. Despite investments in disaster risk management, enforcement of building codes and adequate drainage systems remain inconsistent in some areas.

Local authorities, in collaboration with Redal in Salé, are actively working to address the flooding by clearing sewage channels and pumping out water from affected zones.

Morocco has made significant investments in infrastructure, notably in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations football tournament. This includes the construction and renovation of nine stadiums across six cities.

Recent youth-led protests have highlighted public demands for increased infrastructure and public service investments. There have been calls for improvements in areas such as healthcare, literacy, and employment, especially in rural regions, contrasting with the development seen in urban centers for tourism purposes.

Based on reporting by Africanews.