UPDATE - Death toll from floods in southeastern Morocco rises to 18

UPDATES WITH NEW DEATH TOLL, CHANGES THROUGH

By Alperen Aktas

RABAT, Morocco (AA) - The number of people who died in floods caused by heavy rainfall in southeastern Morocco has risen to 18, local authorities said Monday.

In a statement, the Interior Ministry said fatalities were caused by severe storms and floods.

It said that 10 people died in the Tata province and two in Tiznit and three in Errachidia, including two foreigners, and two others in Tinghir, also including a foreigner, and one died in Taroudant.

Four people are still missing in the Tata province, the ministry added.

Earlier, Interior Ministry spokesman Rachid El-Khalifi said the amount of rainfall recorded in the last two days accounted for nearly half of the region’s annual precipitation.

The floods have destroyed 24 homes, partially damaged 16 others, and caused damage to 93 roads, cutting off transportation.

Electrical grids, drinking water supplies, and telephone networks have also been affected.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas and Ahmed Asmar