Flooding in Tunisia has resulted in the loss of four lives, according to authorities, as the country experiences its heaviest rainfall in over 70 years. The deaths occurred in Moknine, in the Monastir governorate, where two individuals were swept away by floodwaters and a woman drowned in her home.
The National Institute of Meteorology has reported exceptional rainfall amounts for the month of January, with the regions of Monastir, Nabeul, and greater Tunis being the hardest hit. Abderazak Rahal, head of forecasting at the institute, stated that some areas have not seen such heavy rainfall since 1950. Neighboring Algeria has also been affected, with several regions experiencing massive downpours and floods, resulting in the death of a man in his sixties.
The severe weather has disrupted transportation and classes, with authorities suspending school and university classes in 15 of the country’s 24 governorates. The Tunisian army is participating in rescue operations, and the situation has been described as “critical” in some regions. The tourist village of Sidi Bou Said has recorded 206 millimeters of rain since Monday evening.
Tunisia’s poorly maintained infrastructure has exacerbated the flooding, with old and clogged drainage and stormwater networks struggling to cope with the heavy rainfall. Rapid urbanization has also led to increased runoff, as less rainwater is absorbed into the ground. The country is already grappling with a seven-year drought, worsened by climate change, which has resulted in severe water stress and cuts to drinking water supplies.
The recent flooding highlights the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in Tunisia. As the country continues to experience extreme weather events, it is essential that authorities prioritize the maintenance and upgrade of its drainage systems to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. With the tourist season approaching, the government must also ensure that affected areas are restored quickly to minimize disruption to the economy.
