Eleven dead, nine missing in Morocco flooding

Moroccan authorities have confirmed that 11 people died and nine were missing in flooding caused by an "exceptional" climate phenomenon in southern areas.  Interior ministry spokesman Rachid Khalfi said authorities recorded an initial "toll of 11 deaths" after "heavy thunderstorms" that hit "17 prefectures and provinces in the kingdom".  The floods also caused the collapse of 40 homes and damaged 93 roads, and "affected electricity, drinking water and telephone networks", he added.  Usually, arid areas in southern Morocco and Algeria have been drenched in floods caused by massive rainfall since Friday, officials told AFP Sunday.