Morocco recovers 16 bodies after rare summer deluge: report

Image
AFP Rabat
Last Updated : Jul 26 2019 | 5:25 PM IST

Moroccan emergency crews pulled 16 bodies from the mud after a rare summer downpour triggered a landslide that buried a minibus, public broadcaster 2M reported Friday.

Local officials contacted by AFP confirmed that Wednesday evening's deluge in the Atlas mountains south of Marrakesh had triggered flash flooding.

The downpour dislodged masses of earth and rocks as high as 20 metres (more than 60 feet) in places that entombed the minibus.

The officials said they could not immediately confirm the death toll.

But 2M said on its website that emergency services recovered 16 bodies after working though the night.

Investment in Morocco's road network has largely focused on the main transport arteries and many rural areas can be reached only by dirt tracks that are vulnerable to extreme weather.

Every year, nearly 3,500 people are killed on the North African country's roads.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 26 2019 | 5:25 PM IST

Next Story