Saudi Arabia offers condolences to Morocco for the victims of the Safi floods and affirms its solidarity
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its deepest sorrow and regret over the floods that struck the city of Safi in the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco, resulting in a large number of casualties and injuries. In a statement, the Ministry affirmed the Kingdom's full support and solidarity, both government and people, with the Kingdom of Morocco in this tragic event, offering its sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased and to the brotherly Moroccan people, and praying to God Almighty for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Details of the disaster in the city of Safi
The city of Safi, located on the Atlantic coast, was struck by a devastating natural disaster on Sunday, with 37 people losing their lives in flash floods triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall. The rain caused water levels to rise to record levels in a very short time, leading to torrents that swept through homes and shops, carrying away property in what has been described as the worst such event the region has seen in decades.
Moroccan local authorities reported that the city, which is about 300 kilometers south of the capital Rabat, was hit by intense thunderstorms, resulting in massive water flows that exceeded the capacity of natural and artificial drainage channels, turning the streets into raging rivers in just one hour, which explains the high number of victims and missing persons in this tragic incident.
climatic and geographical context
This incident comes amidst a volatile climate affecting the world and North Africa, where extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent. Safi is a major urban and industrial center on the Moroccan coast, but its topography and surrounding valleys pose a significant risk when record amounts of rain fall in a short period. Moroccan authorities are working tirelessly to contain the effects of the disaster and provide urgent relief to those affected, with all relevant agencies on high alert.
The depth of Saudi-Moroccan relations
The statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reflects the depth of the fraternal and historical relations that bind Riyadh and Rabat. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been at the forefront of expressing solidarity and support for Morocco in various circumstances and crises, embodying the shared destiny and strong ties that unite the leadership and people of the two brotherly nations. This solidarity underscores the ongoing cooperation among Arab states in confronting natural disasters and humanitarian challenges.
