A Catastrophic Night in Tangier

On Wednesday evening, the city of Tangier experienced a disastrous situation due to heavy rainfall that caused severe flooding in various neighborhoods. These torrential rains exposed the city’s inadequate infrastructure, which failed to handle the large volume of water in a short period, sparking widespread criticism.

Several streets and districts across the city were submerged, taking street vendors, cart owners, and fruit and vegetable sellers by surprise. Their goods were swept away by the floods, further complicating their already precarious situation. Traffic was severely disrupted, creating panic among residents.

Social media users widely shared images and videos of flooded neighborhoods, triggering mixed reactions ranging from concern to sarcasm. Some mocked the idea of hosting the World Cup in a city struggling to withstand harsh weather conditions. One citizen remarked, « Thankfully, the World Cup will be in the summer, » highlighting the city’s fragile infrastructure.

The Tangier municipal council faced intense criticism for failing to improve the city’s infrastructure. Despite an official statement from Mayor Monir Limouri claiming a swift response and mobilization of all available resources, many found these assurances vague and insufficient.

The statement clarified that 27 mm of rain fell in a short span, and immediate measures were taken to clear mud and reopen roads. However, this response has done little to dispel concerns about the effectiveness of preventive measures.

With the recurrence of such weather events, it is imperative for Tangier to reassess its strategies, strengthen its infrastructure, and adopt a more effective approach to dealing with climate changes to meet the needs of its residents and visitors.