Heavy Rain and Floods Claim the Lives of 3 People in Eastern Tunisia and Disrupt Transportation
January 20, 2026399 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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Tunisian civil protection units announced today, Tuesday, the death of three individuals due to floods resulting from heavy rains that have been ongoing since Monday evening, affecting the municipality of Mkenin in the Monastir governorate in the east of the country.
Local sources reported that floods swept away a woman, while water invaded the home of an elderly woman living alone. A man was later found floating in a lake in the area. Rescue teams continue their search and intervention operations in the affected areas.
Local sources reported that floods swept away a woman, while water invaded the home of an elderly woman living alone. A man was later found floating in a lake in the area. Rescue teams continue their search and intervention operations in the affected areas.
Impact of Rain on Other Governorates
The effects of the heavy rains extended to several governorates, flooding roads in the center of the capital, Tunis, and several residential neighborhoods in the northern suburbs. Nabeul, Monastir, and northeastern regions of the country experienced similar conditions, amid limited infrastructure that exacerbated the damage.
Traffic Standstill and Train Disruptions
The floods caused a traffic standstill in many areas, with vehicles trapped on the roads due to rising water levels.
The Tunisian National Railway Company announced disruptions in train services between cities since Tuesday morning due to weather conditions.
Suspension of Classes and Warnings for Citizens
Authorities decided to suspend classes in schools, universities, and training institutions in several governorates, including Tunis, Nabeul, Monastir, and Bizerte, urging citizens to stay at home and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Relevant authorities raised the warning level to the highest degree in the governorates of Tunis, Nabeul, and Monastir, while other governorates such as Sousse, Zaghouan, Bizerte, and Mahdia were placed under a significant alert level.
Climate Context and Impact of Climate Change
These storms come at a time when Tunisia has been suffering from a severe shortage of water resources over the past years, amid ongoing warnings about the impacts of climate change that make the country one of the most flood-prone areas in the Mediterranean basin.
