By Ify Onyekwere
An intense heatwave in Morocco has resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people within 24 hours in the central city of Beni Mellal, according to an announcement made by the health ministry on Thursday. The heat affected much of the North African country from Monday to Wednesday, with temperatures soaring to 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) in certain regions.
In Beni Mellal, a city located over 200 kilometres southeast of Casablanca, temperatures remained high, reaching 43 degrees on Thursday. The regional health directorate reported that the majority of the fatalities were among individuals suffering from chronic illnesses and the elderly, whose health conditions deteriorated due to the extreme temperatures.
The meteorology department indicated that temperatures are expected to drop in the coming days, providing some relief. In Marrakesh, a popular tourist destination, temperatures are forecasted to decrease by 10 degrees on Sunday.
Heatwaves are defined as prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, often accompanied by high humidity. While the criteria for a heatwave can vary by region, it generally involves temperatures significantly higher than the seasonal average. Heatwaves pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. They can also cause significant disruptions to infrastructure, agriculture, and daily life.
Morocco has been grappling with the consequences of a prolonged drought, now in its sixth consecutive year, coupled with record-high temperatures. This past winter was the hottest since 1940, with January temperatures approaching 37 degrees Celsius in some areas. These rising temperatures and ongoing drought have critically impacted the country’s vital agricultural sector, leading to significant economic repercussions.
Water Minister Nizar Baraka noted at the end of June that water evaporation rates reached 1.5 million cubic meters (53 million cubic feet) per day. The High Commission for Planning reported in May that the labour market continues to suffer from the effects of the drought, with the unemployment rate rising to 13.7 percent in the first quarter of this year, up from 12.9 percent during the same period last year. The agricultural sector alone saw a loss of approximately 159,000 jobs.
Last August, Morocco recorded its highest-ever temperature of 50.4 degrees Celsius in the coastal resort city of Agadir. This extreme weather event is part of a broader trend of increasing global temperatures. Monday was recorded as the hottest day globally since measurements began in 1940, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Earth observation program. The program has predicted that daily temperature records will continue to be broken this summer in the northern hemisphere, with the planet enduring a particularly long period of intense heat due to climate change.
Scientists have linked climate change to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, including heatwaves. The recent heatwave in Morocco is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable populations from its devastating effects.
In a related event, Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia faced an unprecedented heatwave this year, with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). The intense heat caused heat strokes, exhaustion, and numerous deaths among the pilgrims, highlighting the severe impact of extreme temperatures on human health and well-being.
As Morocco continues to battle extreme weather conditions, the need for comprehensive strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change becomes increasingly critical. Sustainable development practices, effective water management, and robust health infrastructure are essential to mitigating the impacts of heatwaves and ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in the face of escalating climate threats.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. Governments and organizations must invest in infrastructure improvements to better handle extreme weather conditions. This includes enhancing cooling systems in public spaces, improving water management systems to prevent shortages, and providing timely public health advisories to protect vulnerable populations.
Additionally, there is a pressing need for international cooperation to combat climate change. Global initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices are crucial in mitigating the long-term impacts of climate change. Morocco, like many other countries, must continue to work with international partners to develop and implement effective climate action plans.
Public awareness and education also play a significant role in addressing the impacts of heatwaves and climate change. Communities must be informed about the risks associated with extreme heat and the measures they can take to protect themselves. This includes staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat periods, and recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses.
In conclusion, the recent heatwave in Morocco underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the growing threat of climate change. By investing in infrastructure improvements, fostering international cooperation, and enhancing public awareness, Morocco can better protect its citizens from the devastating impacts of extreme weather events and build a more resilient future.
Click here to read “Addressing the Global Shortfall in Sustainable Development Goals”
I believe that those countries with tropical climate when they experience heat wave was able to hold it down, but Morocco doesn’t that is why it hit this hard, the souls of the departed rest in peace.