A devastating heatwave in Morocco has claimed at least 21 lives within 24 hours in Beni Mellal after experiencing scorching temperatures from Monday to Wednesday, reaching up to 48 degrees Celsius in some areas.

According to the Ministry of Health, most fatalities In Beni Mellal were elderly individuals or those with chronic illnesses whose conditions worsened due to the extreme heat, according to the regional health directorate. The health ministry has not confirmed if this heatwave caused the highest recorded death toll in Morocco's history.

PHOTO | COURTESY Residents using umbrellas to escape the heat

On Thursday, temperatures in Beni Mellal remained high at 43 degrees Celsius. However, relief is expected as temperatures will drop in the coming days, with Marrakesh anticipating a 10-degree drop by Sunday.

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Morocco has been grappling with severe drought for six consecutive years. Last winter saw record-high temperatures, with January being the hottest since 1940. This persistent heat and drought have significantly impacted the vital agricultural sector, reducing reservoir levels and causing water evaporation of 1.5 million cubic meters daily.

PHOTO | COURTESY man sitting in a dry area

The High Commission for Planning reported in May that the drought has adversely affected the labor market. The unemployment rate rose to 13.7% in the first quarter, up from 12.9% the previous year. The agricultural sector lost approximately 159,000 jobs.

Morocco's highest temperature, 50.4 degrees Celsius, was recorded in August last year in Agadir. Globally, the European Union's Copernicus Earth observation program recorded the hottest day since 1940 this past Monday. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves and other extreme weather events to climate change.