A catastrophic flood has swept through the arid regions of Algeria and Morocco, claiming over 20 lives.
Dozens more are still unaccounted for, as rescue efforts continue in both countries.
In Morocco, the torrential rains, which exceeded the annual average rainfall in some areas, ravaged homes and infrastructure, leaving roads, electricity, water supply, and phone networks in shambles.
The floods have dealt a severe blow to a country already grappling with a six-year drought and water shortage.
Neighboring Algeria has also been severely affected, with bridges and train lines damaged, and thousands of people trapped in their homes.
The government has mobilized civil protection and military officers to assist in emergency response efforts and provide aid to those affected.
The two-day storm over the weekend brought unprecedented rainfall, catching residents off guard and highlighting the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
As the full extent of the damage becomes clear, officials are racing against time to locate missing persons and provide essential services to affected communities.
The disaster has raised concerns about the region’s preparedness for natural disasters and the need for sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change.