T he scorching heatwave in Morocco claimed the lives of at least 21 individuals within a mere 24-hour timeframe in the city of Beni Mellal.
The meteorology department reported that intense heat prevailed across much of the North African nation from Monday to Wednesday, with temperatures soaring to 48 degrees Celsius (118 Fahrenheit) in certain areas.
In Beni Mellal, “the majority of deaths involved people suffering from chronic illnesses and the elderly, with high temperatures contributing to the deterioration of their health conditions,” the regional health ministry said in a statement.
According to the meteorology department, temperatures will drop in the upcoming days, especially in the popular tourist destination Marrakesh, where temperatures are expected to drop by at least 10 degrees on Sunday.
Morocco is experiencing a sixth straight year of drought, with this past winter being exceptionally hot. The meteorology department reported that January was the hottest month since 1940, with temperatures reaching nearly 37C in certain areas.
Rising temperatures and accompanying drought have lowered reservoir levels and threaten the country’s crucial agricultural sector.
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