Flash floods kill 14 people in Morocco's Safi

RABAT - Flash floods triggered by torrential rains killed at least 14 people and injured 20 others on Sunday in Morocco's Atlantic coastal province of Safi, 330 kilometres (205 miles) south of Rabat, Moroccan authorities said.

One hour of heavy rain was enough to flood around 70 homes and shops, sweep away ten cars and cut many roads in Safi and its surroundings, as rescue efforts continue, authorities said in a statement. 

Videos widely circulating on social media showed vehicles swept away by the floodwaters and even people in distress. Faced with the scale of the situation, the population mobilized to rescue those trapped by the floods, with the support of local authorities.

According to a city official, residents were warned of the approaching torrential rains as early as Saturday. However, the intensity of the rainfall forced them to evacuate their homes when the floodwaters began to inundate their living spaces, causing extensive material damages.