FLOODED AREA: FLOODED FACTORY AND HOMES: REFUGEES IN CAMPING SITE.




Initials RJ/VS/AS/BB



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: WITH THE FLOODWATERS IN MOROCCO ABATING, THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE ARE STARTING THE GRIM TASK OF ASSESSING THE COST. A KNOWN FIFTEEN PEOPLE ARE DEAD AND AT LEAST 100 THOUSAND HOMELESS.

TWO WEEKS OF TORRENTIAL RAIN TURNED MUCH OF THE SEBOU VALLEY REGION INTO A RIVER WHICH SWAMPED FACTORIES, FARMLANDS AND TOWNS. ONLY IN THE PAST FEW DAYS HAS THE REGION BECOME ACCESSIBLE AND RELIEF TEAMS ARE BEING RUSHED IN TO HELP THE VICTIMS. AT THE HEIGHT OF THE FLOODING THE ENTIRE VALLEY RESEMBLED A HUGE INLAND SEA CUTTING OFF LAND CONTACT BETWEEN THE NORTH AND SOUTH OF THE COUNTRY.

DAMAGE ESTIMATES MADE SO FAR HAVE GONE AS HIGH AS 12 MILLION POUNDS (30 MILLION DOLLARS). TROOPS, POLICE AND FIREMAN ARE STILL IN THE PROCESS OF EVACUATING MAROONED FARMERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

THOUSANDS OF REFUGEES HAVE MADE THEIR WAY TOWARDS RABAT WHERE THEY HOPE TO FIND SHELTER. MANY HAVE MADE FOR CAMPING GROUNDS AND MAKESHIFT VILLAGES HAVE SPRUNG UP.