Flash floods have killed at least 37 people in Morocco's coastal Safi region, according to state-owned television. Cars and mounds of rubbish were seen sweeping through the main port city of Safi after torrential rain hit on Sunday. Dozens of people have been receiving treatment in hospital for their injuries, say local authorities, and at least 70 homes have been inundated in the old city centre. Local reports say access to and from the city is blocked on certain roads because of damage and debris.

Residents on Sunday described it as a dark day, with one telling the AFP news agency: I've lost all my clothes. Only my neighbour gave me some to cover myself. I have nothing left. I've lost everything. Another survivor expressed his hope for government intervention to pump out the water.

Moroccan authorities say search and rescue missions are still underway. Experts indicate that the climate crisis is partly responsible for the extreme weather fluctuations seen in the North African state, which has suffered seven consecutive years of drought, draining its water reserves. Last year was officially the hottest on record, and forecasts predict further downpours along with potential snowfall across the Atlas Mountains. The nation faces a growing challenge as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of such disasters.}