Moroccan authorities have taken precautionary measures across several provinces as the country braces for severe weather conditions. The Ministry of Education announced the suspension of classes in nine provinces for Friday and Saturday. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Endowments has temporarily halted lessons in numerous mosques for Saturday and Sunday.
The decisions come amidst warnings of potentially heavy thunderstorms expected to impact various regions throughout the kingdom, particularly on Friday evening, according to the General Directorate of Meteorology. Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a strong advisory, emphasizing the need for all necessary preventative measures. The public is cautioned against attempting to cross roads susceptible to flooding, as well as valleys and low-lying areas prone to flash floods. Non-essential travel, especially to areas expected to be significantly affected by the adverse weather, should be postponed.
This action follows a tragic incident last month in which 37 people lost their lives in the city of Safi due to sudden and intense flooding caused by heavy rainfall.
The Ministry of Education specified that the school closures affect the provinces of Taroudant, Agadir, Inezgane-Ait Melloul, Chtouka-Ait Baha (in central Morocco), Safi and Essaouira (western Morocco), and Chichaoua, Rhamna, and Youssoufia (northern Morocco).
A weather alert issued on Thursday indicated that rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters had been recorded in recent days, leading to road closures and prior school suspensions in some cities. The Directorate of Meteorology further stated that thunderstorms with rainfall between 80 and 120 millimeters, accompanied by strong winds, are anticipated Friday in the provinces of Agadir, Taroudant, and Essaouira.
Throughout December, many Moroccan cities experienced heavy rainfall and significant snowfall.
