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MOROCCO-FLOOD-ACCIDENT
At least 24 dead in Morocco underground factory flood: media
RABAT, Feb 8, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – At least 24 people died after heavy rain
flooded an illegal underground textile workshop in a private house in
Morocco’s port of Tangiers, the state news agency reported Monday.
Rescue workers recovered 24 bodies from the property and rescued 10
survivors who were taken to hospital, the MAP agency said citing local
authorities. A search of the premises was continuing.
Local media outlets indicated at least some of the victims may have been
electrocuted as the incoming water interfered with power facilities, but
there was no immediate confirmation of those reports.
Morocco has experienced heavy rains in recent weeks, after a long period
of drought.
In early January, the inclement weather caused several dilapidated
buildings to collapse in Casablanca, the country’s economic capital, causing
at least four deaths, according to local media.
Poorly maintained drainage systems often exacerbate flooding in cities.
Fifty people died in floods in 2014 caused by heavy rains in the south of
Morocco.
BSS/AFP/BZC/2030HRS