Torrential downpours in North Africa’s arid mountains and deserts over the weekend resulted in catastrophic flooding, claiming the lives of over 20 people in Morocco and Algeria. The rare and intense storms caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, critical infrastructure, and disrupting essential services.

In Morocco, the two-day deluge exceeded historic averages, surpassing annual rainfall totals in some areas. The flooding affected regions still recovering from a deadly earthquake last year. Officials reported 18 fatalities, 56 collapsed homes, and 9 missing persons. Foreign nationals from Canada and Peru were among the victims. The government is working to restore communication and access to flooded areas, urging caution amidst the “exceptional situation”.

In neighboring Algeria, where a presidential election took place over the weekend, at least 5 people died in the desert provinces. The Interior Minister described the situation as “catastrophic”. Thousands of civil protection and military officers have been deployed to assist with emergency response efforts and rescue families trapped in their homes. The floods also damaged bridges and trains, exacerbating the crisis.

The rare deluge, predicted by meteorologists, highlights the vulnerability of North Africa’s Sahara Desert regions to extreme weather events.