Official death toll in Moroccan floods rises to 63
Morocco, Local, 12/2/2002

The death toll of flash floods, caused by torrential rain that hit several regions of Morocco last weekend had risen to 63 lives, 17 injured, while 26 others are reported missing, said on Friday the Communication minister and government spokesman, Nabil Benabdellah.

The Moroccan official disclosed this figure in a press conference that was marked by the presence of Health minister, Mohamed Cheikh Bialdillah, Equipment and Transport minister, Karim Ghellab, Energy and mining minister, Mohamed Boutaleb, and Secretary of State in Charge Water, Abdelkebir Zahoud

The floods struck the center and the east of the country, crushing 24 houses in rural areas and cracking 1334 others, while 373 more houses were inundated by flood water in 14 districts and rural communes, he said, adding that hundreds of arable lands were damaged and dozens of livestock were washed away by floods.

Torrential rain and flash floods caused serious material damage to 17 industrial units in Berrchid, 120 km South Rabat, and to 24 factories in Mohammedia, 60 km South Rabat, he said, recalling similar damage was contracted by a university in Settat, 140 km, South Rabat.

He further emphasized the measures taken to bring immediate aid and funding to the flood-stricken populations, adding that 900 rescue operations were undertaken to save the lives of 3.000 people, and that 1.000 tents, 2.000 mattresses, 6.600 blankets, 4.200 meals and 30 tons medicines were made available to the suffering populations.

The Communication minister commanded Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity's efforts deployed to alleviate the stricken populations' plight.

All the Moroccan government members taking part to this press conference said that no precise figure on the overall material damage is available at the time the conference was held.

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