Morocco Faces Health Crisis as 21 Die from Unprecedented Heat Wave Amid Ongoing Drought

Twenty-one people died in 24 hours in Beni Mellal, Morocco, due to a severe heat wave exacerbated by the ongoing drought, marking a critical health crisis in the region. The General Directorate of Meteorology reported temperatures soaring as high as 48.3°C, with the majority of victims being elderly or suffering from chronic illnesses. The Ministry of Health has initiated measures to combat the effects of extreme heat, including the mobilization of health professionals and the establishment of emergency care units. As the country grapples with its sixth consecutive year of drought, the evaporation of water from dams has reached alarming rates, threatening both the agricultural sector and the overall economy. Climate change continues to intensify these extreme weather events, raising concerns about future heat waves and their impact on public health and resources.