Summary:

A week of severe weather and structural failures in Morocco caused nearly 60 fatalities across two major incidents in Fez and Safi.  

On 14 December 2025, torrential rain flooded Safi’s historic Bab Chaaba market, killing at least 37 people, with search operations still ongoing. Flooding also struck Tetouan and Tangier, while heavy Atlas Mountain snowfall isolated rural communities, forcing school closures in multiple provinces.  

On the evening of 9-10 December 2025, two residential buildings collapsed in Fez’s Bensouda district, killing 22 and injuring 16. Preliminary investigations suggest the 2006 “slum eradication” structures were compromised by two illegal extra floors. Judicial investigations regarding liability were opened for both incidents. The National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) demanded strict accountability for Fez, signaling that housing safety will become a priority issue. 

Outlook: 

These tragedies expose critical vulnerabilities in urban planning and crisis management in Morocco even as the country continues to make massive investments in infrastructure and industry. High death tolls will likely intensify scrutiny of state infrastructure oversight as well as draw attention to those communities yet to benefit from the government’s investment strategy.  

A nationwide crackdown on illegal vertical expansions and audits of rehousing schemes are expected to ensue. Politically, local officials face legal risks and backlash as investigations probe negligence and local arrangements that allowed for policy violations. With active weather alerts still in place, logistical disruptions across central and northern plains will persist, risking impact to supply chains and agriculture.  

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.