A relentless heatwave has claimed at least 21 lives in the central Moroccan city of Beni Mellal within a 24-hour period, according to the country’s health ministry. The soaring temperatures, which reached a scorching 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas, have exacerbated the conditions for many, particularly affecting the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
The heatwave, which struck much of the North African nation from Monday to Wednesday, has left a trail of destruction in its wake. The regional health directorate of Beni Mellal noted in a statement that the majority of the deceased were already vulnerable due to existing health issues. The extreme temperatures have significantly worsened their health conditions, leading to a tragic spike in mortality.
Beni Mellal, situated more than 200 kilometers (approximately 150 miles) southeast of Casablanca, continues to experience sweltering heat, with temperatures still at 43 degrees Celsius as of Thursday. However, relief is on the horizon, as the meteorology department predicts a drop in temperatures over the coming days. In Marrakesh, a popular tourist destination, temperatures are expected to fall by 10 degrees on Sunday.
Economic Impact of Prolonged Heat and Drought
This deadly heatwave is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of extreme weather conditions affecting Morocco. The country is grappling with its sixth consecutive year of drought, with the past winter marked as the hottest since 1940. January saw temperatures approaching 37 degrees Celsius in certain regions, indicating a worrying trend of rising temperatures.
The prolonged drought and intense heat have had a severe impact on Morocco’s agricultural sector, a vital component of its economy. Water Minister Nizar Baraka reported in late June that water evaporation had reached alarming levels of 1.5 million cubic meters (53 million cubic feet) per day. This rapid loss of water from reservoirs has compounded the challenges faced by farmers and exacerbated water scarcity issues.
The High Commission for Planning highlighted in May that the labor market is still reeling from the effects of the drought. The unemployment rate rose to 13.7 percent in the first quarter, up from 12.9 percent in the same period last year. The agricultural sector alone saw the disappearance of approximately 159,000 jobs, underscoring the economic toll of the ongoing climate crisis.
Global Climate Crisis
Morocco’s struggle with extreme heat and drought is a stark reminder of the broader global climate crisis. On a global scale, Monday was recorded as the hottest day since measurements began in 1940, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Earth observation program. The organization has previously warned that daily temperature records are likely to be shattered this summer in the northern hemisphere, with the planet enduring an extended period of intense heat due to climate change.
Scientists have consistently linked climate change to more frequent, prolonged, and severe extreme weather events, including heatwaves. The current situation in Morocco serves as a poignant illustration of the dire consequences of rising global temperatures.
Conclusion
As Morocco battles this lethal heatwave, the urgent need for comprehensive climate action becomes ever more apparent. The tragic loss of life in Beni Mellal is a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of populations to extreme weather events. It is imperative for global leaders to intensify efforts to combat climate change and implement sustainable practices to mitigate the impact of such devastating phenomena on both human life and the economy.
