Casablanca – The coastal city of Safi has been struck by one of the most violent flooding events Morocco has experienced in recent years, leaving dozens of victims, widespread destruction, and renewed concerns about urban resilience and economic stability in the face of increasingly frequent climate-related disasters.

On the evening of Sunday, December 14, 2025, intense rainfall fell over Safi within a very short time frame, overwhelming the city’s drainage systems and triggering sudden flash floods. Several neighborhoods, particularly in the historic old city and low-lying residential areas, were rapidly submerged. Streets turned into torrents of muddy water, homes and shops were inundated, and vehicles were swept away with force.

According to official figures released in the days following the disaster, the floods claimed the lives of at least 40 people, making it the deadliest weather-related event recorded in Morocco in the past decade. Earlier provisional tolls had reported lower figures, as rescue operations were still underway and authorities worked to verify information amid difficult conditions.

Emergency services and civil protection units were deployed immediately, using boats and heavy equipment to reach trapped residents, evacuate affected families, and clear debris from flooded streets. Dozens of people were injured and treated at Safi’s hospital, most of whom were later discharged, while others remained under medical observation. Search operations continued for several days amid fears that additional victims could be found.

Beyond the human toll, the material damage has been extensive. Local authorities reported that floodwaters affected at least 70 homes and commercial premises, particularly in densely built sections of the old city. Dozens of vehicles were damaged or destroyed, roads were partially washed away, and several key traffic arteries were rendered temporarily unusable, causing significant disruption to daily life and economic activity.

Images and videos shared on social media showed scenes more commonly associated with large-scale natural disasters: cars drifting uncontrollably through streets, debris floating across roadways, and residents stranded on rooftops or upper floors awaiting rescue. These images sparked a nationwide wave of shock and solidarity, as well as renewed debate over urban planning and disaster preparedness.

Infrastructure under pressure

Preliminary assessments suggest that the scale of the flooding was aggravated by the inability of Safi’s drainage and sanitation infrastructure to cope with the exceptional volume of rainfall. In several areas, sewage systems overflowed within minutes, accelerating the spread of floodwaters and increasing damage to buildings and public spaces.

Urban experts note that Safi, like many Moroccan cities, faces structural challenges linked to aging infrastructure, rapid urban expansion, and insufficient adaptation to extreme weather events. The concentration of damage in the old city has further highlighted the vulnerability of historic neighborhoods, where narrow streets, fragile buildings, and limited drainage capacity amplify flood risks.

Economic impact and fiscal implications

While the immediate priority remains humanitarian response and reconstruction, the floods are also expected to have measurable economic consequences at both the local and national levels. The destruction of homes, shops, vehicles, and public infrastructure represents a direct loss of capital, while disruptions to transport and commerce have temporarily slowed economic activity in the city.

At the national level, the disaster has raised questions about its impact on public finances. Speaking after the floods, the Governor of Bank Al-Maghrib emphasized that decisions related to disaster response—such as compensation for victims, reconstruction programs, and infrastructure rehabilitation—fall under the responsibility of the government. The central bank’s role, he explained, is to monitor the economic and financial consequences of these decisions, particularly their effects on the budget deficit and public debt.

According to the central bank, any government measures with financial implications will be incorporated into macroeconomic forecasts once detailed information becomes available. March is expected to be a key moment for assessing the scope of official interventions and determining whether their impact on fiscal balances will be temporary or more structural.

The experience of previous disasters, such as the Al Haouz earthquake, suggests that reconstruction spending can be absorbed without destabilizing macroeconomic fundamentals, provided that fiscal management remains disciplined and targeted. Authorities have indicated that Morocco’s overall economic balances remain broadly stable, while maintaining vigilance for potential risks.

Climate risks and long-term challenges

The Safi floods have once again underscored the growing challenge posed by climate-related risks in Morocco. In recent years, the country has faced a succession of extreme events, including prolonged droughts, deadly earthquakes, and sudden floods, reflecting broader regional and global climate trends.

Financial and economic institutions are increasingly integrating these risks into their analyses. Bank Al-Maghrib, in coordination with the banking sector, has been working on assessing climate-related risks and preparing financial institutions to factor them into lending and investment decisions. A joint report with the World Bank has highlighted the need to regularly update economic models to account for such shocks.

As reconstruction efforts begin in Safi, the disaster has reignited calls for stronger investment in resilient infrastructure, improved urban planning, and more effective early warning and drainage systems. For many observers, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder that the cost of inaction may continue to rise, both in human lives and economic losses, as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.