Unexplained foam blankets Sidi Bernoussi streets in Casablanca, raising alarm

A peculiar incident has unfolded in the Sidi Bernoussi district of Casablanca, where substantial amounts of white foam have blanketed the streets, prompting significant disruption to traffic and environmental concerns among both residents and officials.

The occurrence took place on Tuesday night amid heavy rainfall affecting Casablanca and various Moroccan cities, a stark contrast to recent years of drought. Observers noted a distinct cleaning product odor from the foam as it rapidly spread, immobilizing vehicles caught in its path.

Said Sabri, the president of the Sidi Bernoussi district, has announced the formation of a dedicated joint commission aimed at investigating the origins of this strange substance. Authorities have swiftly assembled specialized teams to collect samples for comprehensive analysis, keeping all possibilities open at this stage.

Ahmed Afilal, the vice-president of the Casablanca municipality responsible for sanitation and liquid waste management, expressed growing concern over this phenomenon, which he indicates has been increasingly troubling in recent months. He highlighted the serious risks posed to public health and the coastal environment, particularly for residents of Sidi Bernoussi and Ain Harrouda.

The Regional Multiservice Company Casablanca-Settat (SRM-CS), which oversees liquid sanitation in the city, has also launched an investigation in collaboration with relevant authorities. Preliminary assessments suggest a possible link between the foam and a nearby detergent manufacturing facility that may have improperly discharged industrial waste.

Experts have proposed various theories regarding the incident, including the contribution of excess surfactants from detergents and chemical products. Other potential explanations include untreated industrial or domestic discharges, decaying organic matter, malfunctioning treatment plants, or the presence of filamentous bacteria.

Local residents remarked that although similar foam-related incidents have occurred in the district, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, the scale of this occurrence is unprecedented. Initially, some residents even mistook the substance for unexpected snowfall, illustrating the confusion that has enveloped the area.

This recent event has reignited discussions about urban planning and industrial zoning, particularly concerning the proximity of industrial units to residential neighborhoods. Local authorities confirmed that while white foam appearances have been reported in Sidi Bernoussi in the past, none have matched the magnitude of the current situation.

The incident draws parallels to a recent similar occurrence in neighboring Algeria, where mysterious foam covered an entire neighborhood in Ain M’lila. However, officials in Casablanca assert that their case presents distinctive characteristics that necessitate a careful and thorough investigation.